EFTA Council meets for seventh time in 2024

Member States discussed recent progress on the processes with Malaysia, Mercosur, Singapore and Vietnam. The Secretariat also briefed the Council on the conclusion of negotiations with Thailand and Ukraine, as well as the upcoming EFTA–US Trade Policy Dialogue. In addition, the Council discussed preparations for the signing of the free trade agreements with Thailand and Kosovo, to take place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in January 2025. 

On EFTA–EU relations, the Secretariat reported on the latest meetings of the EFTA Standing Committee and the EEA Joint Committee, with Liechtenstein set to chair the Standing Committee from 1 January. A notable highlight from the Standing Committee was the presentation of the implementation plan based on the recommendations of the Task Force on cross-sectoral EU initiatives. The Secretariat also briefed Members on the successful EEA Council meeting in EFTA House on 25 November, which resulted in the adoption of Council Conclusion for the first time in five years. 

Lastly, the Secretariat provided an overview of horizontal issues, with a focus on EFTA’s work on small and medium-sized enterprises, trade and sustainable development, and preference utilisation. 

The next EFTA Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 28 January 2025.