Parliamentarians and social partners review EFTA’s trade priorities with Ministers

On 22 June 2026, EFTA parliamentarians and social partners participated in the EFTA Ministerial meeting in Reykjavík. The meetings were co-chaired by Nikolai Astrup, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee, and Marco Taddei, Chair of the Consultative Committee.

A highlight of the event was the annual exchange with the EFTA Ministers, which focused on EFTA's trade priorities amidst global instability. Participants also met with high-level government officials, policy experts and industry representatives to discuss topics relevant to EFTA's trade interests.

Ensuring EFTA's trade agenda remains future focused

In discussions with the Ministers, the committees underlined the importance of maintaining a future-focused trade agenda to ensure that EFTA can respond to new geoeconomic realities.

The committees delivered a clear message to the Ministers on the importance of advancing the modernisation of EFTA's free trade agreements (FTAs) with Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Korea. They stressed that updating these agreements remained a key priority for businesses and economic operators across the EFTA States, who were seeking modern frameworks that reflect current trade realities and support competitiveness in global markets.

Ms Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland and Chair of the EFTA Council at Ministerial level, welcomed the committees' contribution to shaping EFTA's trade agenda, and highlighted the value of their perspectives on issues affecting businesses, workers and consumers across the EFTA States.

Building on the committees' call to modernise EFTA's FTAs, the discussion explored how EFTA can strengthen its position in the evolving trading environment by fostering closer ties with like-minded partners. The committees stressed that EFTA should pursue strategic engagement with important trading partners and economic blocs to ensure that it remains actively involved in shaping future trade norms and safeguarding a level playing field for businesses and economic operators. In this context, the potential benefits of developing a closer dialogue with the CPTPP were emphasised.

The Ministers, parliamentarians and social partners agreed to continue the discussion on EFTA's trade strategy in their next meeting.

Supporting trade relations and economic cooperation

The committees also met with Viet Nam's Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, who was in Reykjavík in the context of the ongoing free trade negotiations with EFTA. Participants used the opportunity to express their strong support for the conclusion of the agreement and the importance of expanding trade and investment relations with Viet Nam.

Earlier in the year, a delegation from the Parliamentary Committee had undertaken a working visit to Hanoi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City to demonstrate political support for the negotiations and to strengthen parliamentary ties. Meeting with the Deputy Minister in Reykjavík was therefore an excellent opportunity to continue the productive discussions held in Viet Nam and to underline the role of the national parliaments in the ratification of EFTA's FTAs.

Participants also had a courtesy call with Mr Mohammed Al-Amour, Minister of National Economy of the State of Palestine, following the signing of bilateral agricultural agreements with the EFTA States.

Insights into global trade developments

During their internal meetings, the committees engaged with stakeholders and experts to explore developments shaping the global trade landscape. They discussed transatlantic trade relations and their broader implications for EFTA, as well as the emergence of new shipping routes and geopolitical developments in the Arctic.

Bringing EFTA closer to the lives of citizens

The EFTA Parliamentary Committee and EFTA Consultative Committee have an important advisory role within the organisation. The mission of both committees is to scrutinise and advise on EFTA trade relations with third countries, as well as on relations with the European Union through the implementation of the EEA Agreement. They are vital platforms for dialogue and consultation on social, economic and political aspects of EFTA FTAs, and on the functioning of the European Economic Area.