Beyond the regular discussions on implementation of the EEA Agreement, the talks addressed the European defence industry, transatlantic relations and current issues regarding EU competitiveness, particularly the new Clean Industrial Deal and the new Omnibus Package, which includes a series of legislative measures aimed at reducing administrative burdens and simplifying EU rules to enhance its economic resilience. Another key agenda item concerned the latest developments in relations between Switzerland and the European Union. The president of the EFTA/EU delegation, National Council member Thomas Aeschi, briefed attendees on the Swiss-EU agreement package negotiated by the Federal Council and the European Commission, as well as on the forthcoming domestic political discussions in Switzerland.
Under the rotation system within the EEA Parliamentary Committee, this year's meeting took place in Iceland – in the town of Akureyri in the north of the country, which is close to the Arctic Circle and home to several Arctic research institutions. The programme therefore also focused on the multiple challenges affecting the region, from shifting geopolitics to climate change, environmental issues and security threats. Switzerland is an active permanent observer state in the Arctic Council and contributes its polar expertise across various areas.
A review of the meeting can be found in the report on the EFTA website: EEA parliamentarians address geopolitical challenges and Arctic developments in Akureyri, Iceland | European Free Trade Association
Background: The EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee and Switzerland's role
The EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee comprises members of the parliaments of the EEA EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the European Parliament. It promotes dialogue and mutual understanding on implementation of the 1992 EEA Agreement. Switzerland is a member of EFTA but not of the EEA. The EFTA/EU delegation of the Federal Assembly participates in the Joint Committee's meetings with observer status. This enables it to closely follow relevant developments in the EEA and contribute to issues of importance for foreign and economic policy.
The EFTA/EU delegation was represented at this meeting by its president, National Council member Thomas Aeschi (SVP, ZG), and its vice president, Council of States member Damian Müller (FDP, LU), as well as Council of States member Carlo Sommaruga (SP, GE) and National Council members Eric Nussbaumer (SP, BL) and Hans-Peter Portmann (FDP, ZH).