The priorities of Norway were based on the conclusions of the Ministerial meeting in Geneva on 25 November 2008. In addition to EFTA’s relations with its various present and future free trade partners, they include elements such as the review of the Council’s decision on public access to documents, and the modalities for the forum for local and regional representatives.

The Council also had an initial discussion on the joint proposal by the chairs of the EFTA Parliamentary and Consultative Committees to change the format of their meetings with the EFTA Ministers.

As regards to EFTA’s current third country activities, the Council reviewed the status of several files, including Russia, India, Algeria, GCC and Ukraine.

The next Council meeting will take place on 4 March 2009.