3/22/2023 0 Comments Will the uk rejoin the eu![]() ![]() The focus is on the liberalisation of trade between EFTA states, so includes provisions on the abolition of tariffs and quotas as well as on rules of origin and various customs matters.ĮFTA is focused on making trade easier. These cover the obligations contained in the EFTA Convention and its assorted annexes. The main focus of the council decision is the terms and conditions of accession agreed with the applicant state. Provided there is unanimity, the applicant can be admitted. Each member state has a vote in the council. It is essentially left to the EFTA Council – ministerial representatives of the four EFTA member states – to decide whether a state can join the EFTA Convention. Joining EFTA is therefore a relatively straightforward process. It states:Īny State may accede to this Convention, provided that the Council decides to approve its accession, on such terms and conditions as may be set out in that decision.Īny State acceding to this Convention shall apply to become a party to the free trade agreements between the Member States on the one hand and third states, unions of states or international organisations on the other. This raises the question of what is the process for joining EFTA, an organisation of which the UK was in fact a founding member in 1960 and which it only left in 1972 to join the European Community.Īrticle 56 of the EFTA Convention sets out the formal requirements. EFTA membership does not entail EEA membership, but only EU and EFTA member states can currently be contracting parties to the EEA Agreement. Plus, securing EFTA membership would facilitate participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) if the UK wanted to pursue this post-Brexit. Membership should also, through EFTA’s free trade agreements with 38 countries, provide preferential access to a range of markets without the UK having to negotiate new bilateral agreements. This would provide some continuity in terms of preferential access to a not insignificant market for UK goods. ![]() ![]() One option is to seek membership of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the grouping comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. With the Brexit clock ticking ever louder, the need to plan the UK’s future relationships with not only the EU but other trading partners too becomes more urgent. ![]()
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