Eea Agreement Parties
– category agreements or agreements between undertakings, Subject to the procedure referred to in Article 9b(3) of this Protocol, the time limits referred to in paragraph 1 shall not apply where the international security agreements between the Contracting Party and third countries provide otherwise. The agreement is based on EU primary law (Treaty of Rome) on the date of entry into force of the EEA Agreement and on secondary legislation (regulations, directives, decisions and non-binding instruments relevant to the EEA). The legal texts of the EEA Agreement consist of 129 Articles, 22 Annexes, 49 Protocols and a Final Act. The Annexes list the EU acts applicable to the EEA, including adaptations. No, this is not an automatic process, but a review and acceptance by the three countries in the discussions with the EU. First, the new EU legislation will be analysed with a view to the « relevance of the EEA ». Only EU internal market regulations would fall within the scope of the EEA Agreement. Customs and trade rules are generally excluded, as the three countries do not participate and have their own guidelines. Once the « relevance » is established, it will be decided whether any changes are required. These can be technical or substantial. If only a new technical « EEA law » can be adopted quickly.
The ratification process can then begin in the capitals of the three EEA countries. The responsibility of the EFTA States in projects is limited to the provision of funds in accordance with the agreed plan. No liability is incurred vis-à-vis third parties. If, at the time of entry into force of the Agreement, the necessary adaptations to the legislation have not been made to the satisfaction of the Contracting Parties, all the points in dispute may be submitted to the EEA Joint Committee. In the absence of an agreement, the provisions of Article 114 of the Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis. (b) in the case of the EFTA States by the EFTA Surveillance Authority, in accordance with the rules of an agreement between the EFTA States establishing the EFTA Surveillance Authority, responsible for the powers and tasks defined in Protocol 26. . . .
