On 15 and 16 November Rupert Matthews MEP attended the meeting of the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee. This Committee is made up of MEPs plus MPs from the EEA countries of Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein, with Swiss MPs attending as observers.
The meeting lasted for two days and covered subjects as diverse as Grants from the EEA to the EU, Co-operation over Energy, Relations with Switzerland and how Brexit will affect relations between Britain and the EEA.
Speaking after the meetings ended, Rupert Matthews said. "I found it very interesting to learn about the formal ties between the EEA countries and the EU. It was noticeable that the majority of those present were keen to maintain and enhance the ties of friendship, trade and culture between our nations. Pragmatic solutions to issues were put forward that I was happy to support.
"I discovered that Norway will be paying over €2billion to the EU over the next seven years as part of the "Norway Option" for their relationship with the EU. It was heartening to listen to so many politicians putting the interests of their citizens first and to see how the EEA countries are working together to maintain good relations with the EU."