EFTA lodges three cases against Iceland for alleged violations of EEA Agreement rules

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Surveillance Authority has lodged three cases against the Icelandic government. The EFTA believes that the Icelandic authorities have overly restricted the movement of people on unemployment benefits, contrary to the rules of the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement.

The first case involves restrictions on the transfer of occupational pensions, which are earned in Iceland, into the pension systems of EU institutions. The EFTA holds that the Icelandic authorities have not upheld their obligations under the EEA Agreement to guarantee individuals’ right to access healthcare services in other EEA countries.

According to Icelandic rules, those who receive unemployment benefits generally need to reside in the country to receive them. The EFTA believes that these rules should not apply to people seeking healthcare services.

The second case pertains to Iceland’s obligations under the EU regulation concerning investigations into accidents and incidents in civil aviation. The EFTA believes that the Icelandic authorities need to improve procedural rules between authorities involved in investigations related to aviation safety. They argue that Iceland has not fulfilled its obligations to improve aviation safety.

The third case involves food, feed, and animal health supervision. The EFTA has sent a formal reminder to the Icelandic authorities, urging them to improve supervision in these areas. The EFTA believes that Iceland has not fulfilled its obligations for public supervision according to EEA rules. The authorities have two months to present their views.

These cases highlight the ongoing tension between national regulations and broader European agreements, as countries navigate the balance between local control and international cooperation.