EFTA advisory bodies focus on the Arctic

Both the EU and EFTA are inextricably linked to the Arctic by a unique combination of history, geography, economy and scientific achievements, and both their memberships include Arctic states. Considering the huge impact of climate change on this fragile region it is in the interest of both the EU and the EFTA States to ensure that new developments and new economic activities in the Arctic are based on the highest levels of sustainability. In this context, several delegates commented on the ongoing oilspill in the Gulf of Mexico. With the EU currently developing an Arctic strategy, it is specifically important for EFTA social partners and parliamentarians to follow the latest developments.

The joint meeting between the two EFTA advisory bodies followed up on previous resolutions and discussions by the Committees on developments in the High North. The Committees received a briefing by Mr Jónas G. Allansson (Specialist on Arctic Affairs, Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs) on Arctic Cooperation and Iceland's Arctic Policy; by Ms Embla Eir Oddsdóttir (Project Manager, Stefansson Arctic Institute) on Arctic Economies; and by Mr Stefán B. Sigurðsson (Rector of the University of Akureyri) on the Arctic and Academia.

The two Committees also took the opportunity in their meeting to discuss EFTA's free trade agreements and more specifically the work undertaken by the two EFTA Working Groups on Trade and Environment and Trade and Labour Standards. The Committees received a briefing by Mr Martin Zbinden, Minister in the Swiss State Secretariat, on the final report that the two EFTA Working Groups had submitted to EFTA Ministers in preparation for the Ministerial meeting the following day.

Click below to open a gallery with more pictures from the meeting.