EU and EEA lawyers in Iceland

EU and EEA law deals with the rules Iceland applies as a member of the European Economic Area. Iceland is not an EU member, but through the EEA Agreement it takes part in the EU internal market and applies most EU rules on the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital.

How the EEA works

The EEA Agreement entered into force on 1 January 1994 and was given effect in Iceland by Act No. 2/1993. New EU legislation relevant to the internal market is incorporated into the Agreement and then implemented in Icelandic law. Iceland is also part of the Schengen area.

The EEA does not cover everything: Iceland is outside the EU customs union, the common agricultural and fisheries policies and EU tax harmonisation, which is why some EU rules do not apply here.

Supervision and the EFTA Court

• The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) in Brussels monitors whether Iceland complies with EEA law. Individuals and companies can file complaints with ESA free of charge.
• The EFTA Court in Luxembourg rules on cases against EEA EFTA states and gives advisory opinions when Icelandic courts ask how EEA rules should be interpreted.

What this means in practice

EEA law shapes many everyday matters: the right of EEA citizens to live and work in Iceland, recognition of professional qualifications, social security when moving between countries, product safety, air passenger rights, data protection and competition. A rule in Icelandic law that conflicts with EEA obligations can be challenged, and in some cases the state can be liable for damages.

Related topics are covered under competition and consumer law and data protection law.

When to contact an EU and EEA lawyer

Consult a specialist when your business faces Icelandic rules that seem to restrict the internal market, when you move between EEA countries and lose rights, when you consider a complaint to ESA, or in court cases where the interpretation of EEA law is decisive.