EFTAstatene

EFTAstatene, or the EFTA states, refers to the member countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The term is used in several languages to denote the group of states that participate in the EFTA framework, distinct from the European Union.

EFTA was established in 1960 as an alternative platform for economic cooperation and free trade among its members while preserving their independence in external relations. The organization aims to promote closer economic ties, reduce barriers to trade in goods and services, and coordinate regulatory policies among its members.

The EFTA states coordinate their trade policies through the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva and the Council of Ministers, which sets strategic priorities. While each member retains full sovereignty, they share common rules on commerce and negotiate trade agreements with non‑EU partners within the EFTA framework.

Economically, the EFTA states are high‑income economies with diverse strengths. Norway is driven by energy and maritime sectors; Switzerland is known for services, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing; Iceland combines fisheries with energy-intensive industries; Liechtenstein maintains a small but advanced financial sector and light manufacturing.

Relation to the European Union varies among the members. Three of the four EFTA states—Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—participate in the European Economic Area, giving them access to the EU internal market through a framework of bilateral arrangements. Switzerland is not an EEA member; it engages with the EU through a system of bilateral treaties and sectoral agreements, rather than full market access via the EEA.

External trade relations are conducted through EFTA’s network of agreements with non‑EU countries, alongside individual bilateral arrangements with various partners.