EFTAovervåkningsmyndigheten

EFTAovervåkningsmyndigheten, often abbreviated as EFTA Surveillance Authority or ESA, is an independent supervisory body established by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Its primary role is to ensure that the four EFTA member states – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – comply with their obligations under the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. The EEA links the EU member states and the EFTA states into a single market.

ESA monitors the implementation and application of EEA law in the EFTA states participating in the EEA. This includes overseeing their national legislation and administrative practices to ensure they are in line with relevant EU directives and regulations that have been incorporated into the EEA Agreement. ESA has powers to investigate potential breaches of EEA law, similar to the European Commission's role within the EU. If a country is found to be in breach, ESA can initiate infringement proceedings.

The authority is composed of representatives from the EFTA states involved in the EEA. Decisions are made collegially. ESA plays a crucial role in maintaining a level playing field within the internal market and ensuring the smooth functioning of the EEA by safeguarding the uniform application of its rules across all participating countries. It also oversees state aid and competition rules to prevent unfair advantages within the EEA.