EFTA Council meets for third time in 2025

Regarding EFTA–EU relations, the Secretariat reported that the next EFTA Standing Committee and EEA Joint Committee meetings would take place on 7 and 8 May, respectively. The Secretariat also briefed the Council on the recent visit by the Parliamentary Committee to Malaysia and provided an update on preparations for the upcoming EEA Council meeting on 21 May. Furthermore, Member States were informed about recent political developments in the EU.

On trade relations, Member States discussed recent progress in the processes with Mercosur, Singapore and Vietnam. The Secretariat also briefed the Council on the conclusion of negotiations with Malaysia and the recent signing of the modernised free trade agreement with Ukraine.

Member States discussed ongoing preparations for the EFTA Ministerial to be held in June in Tromsø, and exchanged information on recent policy developments, including recent bilateral meetings with the US administration.

The next EFTA Council meeting is scheduled for 10 June.