Under the chairmanship of Halldór Halldórsson, the Forum discussed public services in the context of the EEA, in particular new texts presented by the European Commission regarding the application of state aid rules to services of general economic interest. Wojciech Dyba, Commission for Economic and Social Policy presented the Committee of the Regions’ draft opinion on the application of state aid rules to services of general economic interest. The Forum adopted an opinion, prepared by Eva Kristin Andersen of Fredrikstad City Council, on the same subject.

Steen Illeborg, Director at the Committee of the Regions, gave an overview of current developments at the Committee, and Jens Zvirgzdgrauds, Commission on Environment, Climate Change and Energy, presented the Committee’s draft opinion on energy efficiency. This presentation was followed by a debate and the adoption of an opinion prepared by Albertína Elíasdóttir, President of the Regional Municipal Federation of the Westfjords, on energy efficiency.

The Forum also heard presentations by Bendik Solum Whist and Marius Vahl, EFTA Secretariat, on EU energy policy and measures relevant to the EEA Agreement, and recent developments in EFTA. Angelika Poth-Mögele, Director of Policy, Council of European Municipalities and Regions, spoke on public services from the standpoint of public authorities, and Emer Daly from the European Commission’s Internal Market DG presented a report analysing the main concerns faced by European citizens in relation to the Single Market.

The Forum then held its first meeting with the EFTA Parliamentary Committee, exchanging information on recent activities and discussing services of general interest. It also met with the EFTA Consultative Committee for an exchange of information on the recent activities of the two bodies.

Background

The EEA EFTA Forum was set up by a decision of the Standing Committee of the EFTA States as an informal body to involve elected representatives from local and regional authorities in EEA matters. The Forum has 12 members, six from Iceland and six from Norway. Liechtenstein has decided not to take part in the meetings for the time being. A representative of the Swiss Cantons was present as observer.

The agenda for the meeting is available here .