EØSsammenhæng

EØSsammenhæng refers to the concept of coherence within the European Economic Area (EEA). It signifies the consistent and unified application of the EEA Agreement across its member states, which include the European Union member states and the three EFTA states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The objective of EØSsammenhæng is to ensure that the same rules and legal principles apply throughout the entire EEA, creating a level playing field and facilitating the smooth functioning of the internal market.

Maintaining EØSsammenhæng involves a continuous process of legal and political cooperation. This includes the incorporation of relevant EU legislation into the EEA Agreement, the ongoing monitoring of national legislation by the EEA EFTA states, and the interpretation of EEA law by the EFTA Court. The EFTA Surveillance Authority plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance by the EFTA states, akin to the European Commission's role within the EU.

The principle of EØSsammenhæng is fundamental to the integrity of the EEA. It aims to prevent divergent interpretations of the Agreement's provisions and to ensure that the rights and obligations of all parties are respected equally. This coherence is essential for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and persons, which are the cornerstones of the EEA. Without EØSsammenhæng, the internal market would be fragmented, hindering economic integration and cooperation between the EU and the EFTA states.