Financial solidarity contributions by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to the European Economic Area and fisheries trade deals with Norway and Iceland were backed by MEPs on Thursday.
Three countries to contribute with 2.8 billion in 2014-2021
EU-Norway, EU-Iceland fish trade protocols renewed
MEPs push for solution on high Norwegian import duties
The latest European Economic Area (EEA) financial mechanism agreement with the three countries and a separate EEA deal with Norway together provide 2.8 billion in 2014-2021 to reduce economic and social disparities within the EEA.
The review of the EU-Iceland and EU-Norway fisheries trade protocols renews existing arrangements, with a modest quota increase for some products over the same period.
MEPs backed these four agreements with 570 votes to 38 with 23 abstentions.
“By approving this report, we are strengthening the already excellent relations with these countries and hope to move closer to resolving the remaining trade issues. This will help to conclude future agreements beneficial for both sides. The EU is looking forward to working with such important trading partners” said rapporteur David Borrelli (EFDD, IT) after the vote.
The two agreements and two protocols have provisionally applied since July and August 2016 respectively.
© European Union, 2017 Source: European Parliament