European Economic Area (EEA) Membership and Cooperation
The European Economic Area (EEA) serves as a critical framework for economic and regulatory integration across Europe. While rooted in the membership of the European Union (EU), the EEA extends its reach to include other states through specific agreements, fostering a broader environment of cooperation and shared standards.
Historically, the EEA was the first EU body to open its membership to the 13 candidate countries prior to the 2004 enlargement, signaling its role as a bridge for nations seeking closer integration with the European community.
Key Facts
- The EEA currently consists of 32 member countries and seven cooperating countries.
- Membership includes all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.
- The United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the EU and the EEA following Brexit in 2020.
- Cooperating countries are supported by the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance.
- The EEA maintains an active membership in the EPA Network.
Structure of EEA Membership
Membership within the EEA is categorized into three primary groups: EU member states, non-EU member states, and cooperating countries. This tiered structure allows for varying levels of integration depending on the agreements concluded between the state and the EU.
EU and Non-EU Member States
The core of the EEA is comprised of the 27 member states of the European Union. However, the area also includes non-EU nations that have entered into specific agreements to participate in the economic area. These include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.
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Cooperating Countries
Beyond full membership, seven EU candidate countries maintain a status as cooperating countries. These nations include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo (the latter under UN Security Council Resolution 1244/99).
These cooperation activities are integrated into Eionet (the European Environment Information and Observation Network) and receive financial and technical support through the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance.
EEA Membership Overview
| EU Member Countries | Non-EU Member Countries | Cooperating Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries are members of the EEA?
The EEA has 32 member countries, which include the 27 EU member states and five non-EU states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.
Is the United Kingdom still part of the EEA?
No. Following Brexit in 2020, the UK is no longer a member of the EU and, consequently, is no longer a member state of the EEA.
Which countries are designated as cooperating countries?
The cooperating countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo.
What is the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance?
It is an EU mechanism that provides support to candidate countries to help them align with EU standards and facilitate their eventual accession.
What is the relationship between the EEA and Eionet?
Cooperation activities for the seven candidate countries are integrated into Eionet, ensuring shared environmental information and observation standards.