We welcome the wish by the EEA EFTA States, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, to foster closer cooperation with the EU on health preparedness and response as part of a strong European Health Union, building on our existing close relationship.
The European Commission will now intensify discussions with the EEA EFTA States on a framework for closer cooperation on the matter.
Some elements can already be achieved through the incorporation of relevant EU legislation into the EEA Agreement. This work will now progress quickly according to the usual procedures for the adoption of EEA Joint Committee Decisions.
Additional key elements would have to take the form of separate bilateral agreements between the EU and the EEA EFTA States. In order to take the work forward, we intend to make recommendations to the Council to adopt decisions authorising the opening of formal negotiations with the three EEA EFTA States to this end.
As we witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, strong cooperation on health with partners is of paramount importance. We therefore believe that closer cooperation between the EU and the EEA EFTA States on health emergency preparedness and response structures will increase their effectiveness bringing mutual benefits for both sides.