The EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee is a forum composed of members of the parliaments of the EEA/EFTA states of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as members of the European Parliament. It contributes to a better understanding between the EU and the EFTA states in the areas covered by the EEA Agreement of 1992. Switzerland has observer status in the EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Federal Assembly is represented in this committee by the EFTA/EU Delegation.
In addition to the future of the EU internal market, topics to be discussed in Strasbourg will include the EU civil protection mechanism (particularly with respect to the volcanic eruption in Iceland) as well as Ukraine and its application to join the EU. Talks will also cover developments in the regulation of artificial intelligence and the implementation of the new EU sustainability standards.
Switzerland is a member of EFTA, but not of the EEA. Its observer status enables the Swiss delegation to closely follow developments in the EEA and thus participate in debates on foreign and economic policy issues in Europe that are important for Switzerland.
The meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee will be attended by National Council member Hans-Peter Portmann (FDP, ZH).