EU ambassador to Iceland emphasizes continued cooperation with EEA states amid expansion

The European Union’s expansion does not disrupt cooperation with EEA states.

Lucie Samcová-Hall Allen, the outgoing EU ambassador to Iceland, emphasized the importance of the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, stating, “The EEA agreement is the closest connection the EU has with other countries or groups in the world.” She noted that the collaboration with the three EEA countries—Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein—is thriving and has introduced significant changes over the past thirty years since the agreement was initiated.

Samcová, who began her ambassadorial role in 2019, will transition to other responsibilities within the EU’s foreign service in Brussels, with Clara Gansland, a Swedish diplomat, succeeding her. Reflecting on her tenure, she highlighted the successful organization of the Council of Europe summit held in Iceland last year, which hosted two EU presidents.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the EEA agreement. The internal market, a cornerstone of this agreement, has evolved significantly, with EU membership increasing from 12 to 27 countries. According to Samcová, the EU’s expansion will not alter the position of the EEA states, which retain a unique status. “The EEA countries have distinct interests,” she expressed, adding that the expansion will likely benefit these states through strengthened global standing.

Furthermore, the EEA now encompasses a wider range of issues, including climate and energy policies, adapting to the increased protectionism seen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The flexibility of the EEA agreement is under scrutiny, with new regulations emerging that require collaboration across multiple sectors. Samcová concluded by acknowledging the potential challenges but expressed confidence in finding solutions to issues that may arise.