In order to ensure that the Internal Market functions well, the EEA Agreement includes horizontal provisions relevant to the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital, as well as provisions concerning cooperation outside the four freedoms in so-called flanking areas. These provisions provide a legal basis for the incorporation into the Agreement of EU legislation in the following areas:
- Budgetary Matters
- Civil Protection
- Company Law
- Consumer Protection
- Cultural Affairs
- Education, Training and Youth
- Employment and Social Policy
- Environment
- Gender Equality, Anti-Discrimination and Family Policy
- Health and Safety at Work and Labour Law
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Procurement
- Public Health
- Research and Innovation
- Single Market Policies and Tools
- Statistics
This is not an exhaustive list as the contracting parties to the EEA Agreement can agree for new flanking areas to be added to the list. They shall also take necessary steps to develop, strengthen or broaden cooperation in other areas not listed above.