DEEA - European Parliament

General documents - 42nd EU-Switzerland IPM, Brussels, 27 April 2023 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:40:18 GMT

The 42nd EU-Switzerland Interparliamentary Meeting (IPM) took place on 27 April 2023 in Brussels.

It was co-chaired by Mr Andreas Schwab, the DEEA Chair, and Mr Benedikt Würth, the Swiss Federal Parliament's delegation Chair.

MEPs and Swiss parliamentarians exchanged views on the following issues:

· Bilateral relations between the EU and Switzerland: state of play of the exploratory talks

· Geopolitical landscape and foreign policy cooperation

· The place of the European Court of Justice in the EU - Switzerland relations

Meeting recording

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 41st EU-Switzerland IPM, Rapperswil, 6-7 October 2022 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:36:44 GMT

The 41st EU-Switzerland Interparliamentary Meeting (IPM) took place on 6-7 October 2022 in Rapperswil (Switzerland).

It was co-chaired by Mr Benedikt Würth, the Swiss Federal Parliament's delegation Chair, and Mr Andreas Schwab, the DEEA Chair.

MEPs and Swiss parliamentarians discussed:

Bilateral relations, in particular as regards the state of the talks on a possible new negotiation package;
EU law on posted workers and Swiss flanking measures;
EU Directive 2004/38 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Members States;
EU-Swiss cooperation in support to Ukraine.

At the end of the meeting the Chairs of the two delegations issued a joint statement.

Joint statement

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 2nd EU-Nordic Council Inter-parliamentary meeting, Strasbourg, 19 April 2023 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:20:17 GMT

Second formal EU-Nordic Council Inter-parliamentary meeting was held on the 19th April 2023 in Strasbourg. Nordic Council is a close partner and a like-minded ally in the international arena that strives to protect the universal values, such as rules based global world order, democracy and fight against the climate change.

Discussions focused on Russia's War in Ukraine and its impact on Nordic Security, Net-zero industry act, Fighting Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), 3023 being European Year of Skills. Vice-President Hautala also gave feedback from Indigenous Sami people Summit hosted by the EP in Brussels on 22-24 March 2023.

The meeting was recorded.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 13 April 2023, Brussels - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:50:58 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee took place on Thursday 13 April 2023, 13.00-14.30, in Brussels, room SPINELLI 1G3.
The meeting was dedicated to the preparation of the 42nd EU-Switzerland Inter-Parliamentary Meeting to be held in Brussels on 27 April 2023.

The meeting was be held in camera.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 38th EU-Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting, Strasbourg, 16 February 2023 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:57:27 GMT

The 38th EU - Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting (IPM) took place in Strasbourg, on 16 February 2023.

The meeting gave an opportunity for Members of both Parliaments to take stock of a close and fruitful relationship between the EU and Norway in challenging times. The European Economic Area Agreement (EEA) provides the primary framework to this relationship. However, EU-Norway cooperation goes much further than the terms of the EEA agreement. Norway and the EU are working closely together to counter Russia's aggression. Parties aim to align their environmental, climate change and Arctic policies and coordinate on matters related to foreign policy, health, justice and home affairs.

In addition to discussing the state of play of EU-Norway relations, Parliamentarians looked at EU-Norway cooperation related to the war in Ukraine, proposals regarding revision of the Schengen Borders Code and creation of the European Health Data Space as well as EU-Norway Energy cooperation.

Agenda
Programme
Webstreaming

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Latest news - 38th EU-Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting, Strasbourg, 16 February 2023 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:05:33 GMT

The 38th EU - Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting (IPM) will take place in Strasbourg, on 16 February 2023 from 9.00 to 12.00.

The meeting will be an opportunity for Members of both Parliaments to consider the close and fruitful relationship between the EU and Norway in challenging times. The European Economic Area Agreement (EEA) provides the primary framework to this relationship. However, EU-Norway cooperation goes much further than the terms of the EEA agreement. Norway and the EU are working closely together to counter Russia's aggression. Parties aim to align their environmental, climate change and Arctic policies and coordinate on matters related to foreign policy, health, justice and home affairs.

In addition to discussing the state of play of EU-Norway relations, Parliamentarians will look at EU-Norway cooperation related to the war in Ukraine, proposals regarding revision of the Schengen Borders Code and creation of the European Health Data Space as well as EU-Norway Energy cooperation.

Draft agenda
Draft programme
Webstreaming

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 18 January 2023, Strasbourg - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:42:14 GMT

A meeting of the DEEA took place on 18 January 2023, from 14.30-16.00, in Strasbourg.

The main point of the agenda was the state of play of EU-Switzerland relations.

The meeting has been recorded.

Draft agenda - 18 January 2023
Meeting documents - 18 January 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 58th European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee, 19-20 October 2022 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:50:53 GMT

The European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee met in Strasbourg on 19-20 October 2022.

This was the 58th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which meets twice a year, and gathers parliamentarians from the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the European Parliament. Representatives of the Swiss Federal Assembly attended as observers.

Discussions focused on the main developments in the implementation of the EEA agreement. Parliamentarians also exchanged views on the latest developments in the war in Ukraine, EEA Energy Resilience, Cybersecurity cooperation, Union Secure Connectivity Programme and discussed the launch of a European Political Community.

Agenda of the meeting
Meeting documents

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 1st EU-Nordic Council IPM, 21-22 February 2022, Helsinki - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:00:34 GMT

The 1st EU-Nordic Council Inter-parliamentary meeting took place on 21 and 22 February 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. The meeting was hosted by the Nordic Council and focused on the cooperation between the EP and the Nordic Council, the Arctic policies, the EU Green Deal and climate change policies, as well as on the threats to democracy, such as disinformation and cyber-threats.

The in-person delegation of the European Parliament consisted of three Members of the DEEA and was led by Ms Christel SCHALDEMOSE, the DEEA Vice Chair in charge of the Iceland Working Group. The Nordic Council was represented by its President Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA, the Vice-President Ms Lulu RANNE, Ms Lorena DELGADO, Ms Oddný Harðardóttir (Members of the Presidium) and Mr Magnus EK.

Programme
Report by the Nordic Council
Mission Report - 1st EU-Nordic Council IPM

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 73rd Session of the Nordic Council, 2-4 November 2021, Copenhagen - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:59:59 GMT

Ms Christel SCHALDEMOSE, DEEA Vice Chair in charge of the Iceland Working Group attended the 73rd Session of the Nordic Council, which took place on 2-4 November 2021 in Copenhagen.
The European Parliament is regularly invited to the Annual Sessions of the Nordic Council and is represented by the Chair or a Vice Chair of the DEEA.

73rd Session of the Nordic Council
Mission Report - 73rd Session of the Nordic Council

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 7 July 2022, Strasbourg - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:47:53 GMT

The DEEA held an ordinary meeting on 7 July 2022, from 10.00-11.30, in Strasbourg.

The main points of the agenda were:

EU-Switzerland relations
DEEA working methods
Recent and upcoming DEEA meetings

Mr Benedikt WÜRTH, Chair of the Swiss Federal Assembly's delegation to the EP, exchanged views with the Members on the state of play of EU-Switzerland relations.

Agenda - 7 July 2022
Meeting Documents - 7 July 2022

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 4 May 2022, Strasbourg (preparations for the 57th EEA JPC) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:47:48 GMT

The DEEA held an ordinary meeting on 4 May 2022, from 15.00-17.00, in Strasbourg.

The main points of the agenda were:

The election of the DEEA first Vice-Chair

Exchange of views on EU-Switzerland relations

Preparations for the 57th EEA JPC meeting, which will take place in Oslo, on 23-25 May 2022

Mr Benedikt WÜRTH, Chair of the Swiss delegation to the EP, addressed the Members on the state of play of EU-Switzerland relations. Members also had the opportunity to exchange views with him on EU-Swiss cooperation in relation to the war in Ukraine, following the EP's global call to parliaments around the world in support of this country.

Agenda - 4 May 2022
Meeting Documents - 4 May 2022
Minutes - 4 May 2022

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 26 October 2021, remote (preparation for the 40th EU-Switzerland IPM) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:47:41 GMT

An in-camera delegation meeting took place on 26 October 2021, in preparation for the 40th EU-Switzerland Interparliamentary meeting (IPM), to be held in Brussels on 15 November 2021.

The main point of the agenda was an exchange of views with Mr Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, European Commission. He briefed Members on the state of play of EU-Switzerland relations and the Commission's position in this regard.

This was followed by a discussion with Members on the future of EU-Switzerland relations after Switzerland's decision to end negotiations of an Institutional Framework Agreement. This was the first time VP ŠEFČOVIČ briefed DEEA Members since he assumed responsibility for EU-Switzerland relations at the European Commission.

Agenda - 26 October 2021
Meeting Documents - 26 October 2021

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 11 June 2021, Brussels (remote) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:47:36 GMT

Members discussed the latest developments in the EU-Switzerland Relations, in particular in relation to the Institutional Framework Agreement.

Parliamentarians of the Swiss Assembly were invited to join part of the meeting remotely in order to exchange views with the DEEA Members on the State of Play of EU-Switzerland cooperation.

Agenda 11 June 2021
Meeting Documents - 11 june 2021
Joint Declaration
Press Release

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 15 February 2021, Brussels (remote) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:47:25 GMT

On 15 February 2021, Members of the DEEA met in camera in order to discuss the recently resumed talks on the Institutional Framework Agreement (IFA) with Switzerland. They also analysed the main differences between the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the IFA. Members were debriefed by Mr Michael KARNITSCHNIG, Director of external relations, at the Secretariat General of the European Commission, and Ms Clara MARTÍNEZ ALBEROLA, Deputy Head of the Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom.

Agenda - 15 February 2021
Meeting Documents - 15 February 2021

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 11 February 2021, on Russian and EU Arctic policies (remote) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:17:32 GMT

On 11 February 2021 European Parliament's D-RU and DEEA delegations held a joint remote meeting to discuss the new Russian Arctic Strategy and the future of the EU Arctic policy.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR, Poland), Chair of D-RU and Ms Christel SCHALDEMOSE (S&D, Denmark), Vice Chair of the Iceland Working Group of the DEEA.

Members exchanged views with Dr Michael PAUL, Senior Fellow of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) and Mr Michael MANN, EU's ambassador at large for the Arctic, as well as relevant EP rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs.

Agenda - 11 February 2021
Meeting documents - 11 February 2021
The way forward for the EU Arctic Policy and the EU-Russia Relations in the Arctic

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Latest news - 57th European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee (Oslo, 23-25 May 2022) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:15:38 GMT

The European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee will meet in Oslo on 23-25 May 2022.

This will be the 57th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which meets twice a year, and gathers parliamentarians from the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the European Parliament. Representatives of the Swiss Federal Assembly will attend as observers.

Discussions will focus on the main developments in the implementation of the EEA agreement. The co-rapporteurs, Mr Christophe GRUDLER, on behalf of Mr Andreas SCHWAB, President of the EEA JPC, and Ms Ingibjörg Ólöf ISAKSEN, Member of the Icelandic Parliament and Vice-President of the EEA JPC will present a draft resolution on the EEA Joint Committee's 2021 Annual report on the functioning of the EEA agreement and will reflect on the challenges ahead.

Parliamentarians will also exchange views on the crisis in Ukraine, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, EU Health Data and the Artificial Intelligence Act and relations with the UK. Information will be provided about the state of play of the EU-Switzerland relations.

Latest news - The Northern Dimension and BEAC suspend activities involving Russia - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:55:08 GMT

The European Union, Iceland and Norway have condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. The European Union, Iceland and Norway have therefore suspended until further notice all activities of the Northern Dimension policy which involve Russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, 'In light of Russia's blatant violation of international law, breach of rules-based multilateralism and the principles and objectives of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the European Union have no other choice than to suspend activities involving Russia in the Barents Euro-Arctic cooperation.'

Northern Dimension Policy: Joint Statement by the EU, Iceland and Norway
Barents Euro-Arctic cooperation: suspension of activities involving Russia

Latest news - SCPAR Statement on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 8 March 2022 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:51:24 GMT

Peaceful and fruitful collaboration in the Arctic Region is vital for the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians in the Arctic Region. Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine creates a new and severe reality in our global society, which calls for a careful reflection of diplomatic relations.

On this note, The Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region will put a pause to our immediate plans for now, while we continue to closely follow the geopolitical situation.

As members of the Committee, and as Arctic citizens, we will continue to observe and monitor all aspects and elements of the Arctic region, while keeping in mind the interests of peaceful Arctic countries and people - especially indigenous peoples of the Arctic - during this challenging time.

Russia does not support this statement.

Statement by the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, March 2022

Latest news - Declaration by Heads of BSPC delegations on the ongoing war in Ukraine - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:45:15 GMT

The Heads of the BSPC delegations of the parliaments and parliamentary organizations listed in the attached Declaration, "have decided to ensure the suspension of the Russian parliaments from the Annual Conference, the meetings of our working bodies, proceedings, work and projects of the BSPC until cooperation under the fundamental principles of international law will once again become possible.

The secretariat has been instructed to suspend until then the Russian member delegations and Russian observer institutions from all invitations to meetings."

12 March 2022 Declaration of the Heads of BSPC delegations

Latest news - 1st EU-Nordic Council Inter-parliamentary meeting, 21-22 February 2022 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:00:46 GMT

The 1st EU-Nordic Council Inter-parliamentary meeting took place on 21 and 22 February 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. The meeting was hosted by the Nordic Council and focused on the cooperation between the EP and the Nordic Council, the Arctic policies, the EU Green Deal and climate change policies, as well as on the threats to democracy, such as disinformation and cyber-threats.
The in-person delegation of the European Parliament consisted of three Members of the DEEA and was led by Ms Christel SCHALDEMOSE, the DEEA Vice Chair in charge of the Iceland Working Group. The Nordic Council was represented by its President Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA, the Vice-President Ms Lulu RANNE, Ms Lorena DELGADO, Ms Oddný Harðardóttir (Members of the Presidium) and Mr Magnus EK.

News arcticle by the Nordic Council

Latest news - 37th EU-Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting, 27 January 2022, Brussels - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:00:37 GMT

The 37th EU - Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting (IPM) took place on 27 January 2022 from 9.30 to 11.30, in Brussels with remote participation.

The meeting was an opportunity for Members of both Parliaments to consider the state of play of EU-Norway relations, including cooperation in relation to COVID-19. Parliamentarians also explored the conditionality of the rule of law and the situation on the Eastern border of the EU, especially with regard to Ukraine.

General documents - 37th EU-Norway IPM, 27 January 2022 (Brussels) - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:48:22 GMT

The 37th EU - Norway Inter-parliamentary Meeting (IPM) took place on 27 January 2022 from 9.30 to 11.30, in Brussels with remote participation.

Agenda
Meeting Documents
Webstreaming

General documents - Calendar of Activities 2021 - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 21:48:05 GMT

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the European Parliament and its political Leaders have modified Parliament's calendar of activities. The aim is to enable Parliament to exercise its functions and carry out its parliamentary work, while complying with the duty of care for its Members and staff and protecting public health.

While missions of Parliament's delegations are currently suspended, interparliamentary and other meetings of standing delegations and parliamentary assemblies are being organised with the possibility of remote participation by Members, visiting speakers and staff.

The calendar section of this page is updated when possible and provides more details of upcoming meetings.

The Calendar of Activities 2021 is available below in pdf format.
Calendar of Activities 2021

General documents - 40th EU-Switzerland IPM, 15 November 2021, Brussels - Delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:22:08 GMT

The 40th EU-Switzerland Interparliamentary Meeting (IPM) met in Brussels, on 15 November 2021.

This was the first interparliamentary meeting since Switzerland decided to end talks on the negotiation of an Institutional Framework Agreement (IFA) on 26 May 2021. It provided an opportunity for Members of both Parliaments to have an open and honest discussion on how they wish to move forward in their relationship

MEPs and Swiss parliamentarians discussed the future of EU-Switzerland cooperation in the area of market access, Switzerland's future participation in EU programmes such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, its contribution to EU cohesion and the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act initiatives.

Agenda
Meeting Documents
Webstreaming