Norway's entry restrictions do not comply with EEA rules

#NordicNews on compliance of Norway’s entry restrictions

ESA requests alignment of Norwegian entry restrictions with EEA rules

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) monitors compliance with European Economic Area (EEA) rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, allowing these countries to participate in the European Single Market. The ESA concludes that Norway's current entry restrictions are incompatible with EEA rules on free movement.

EEA states are authorised to restrict the free movement of EEA citizens as part of their efforts to contain the COVID 19 pandemic. However, such restrictions should be limited to what is necessary, should be consistent and non-discriminatory.

In recent months, ESA has identified a high number of people negatively affected by Norwegian entry restrictions. Among them are people who are denied access to their homes, prevented from taking a new job or returning to their existing job, or prevented from seeing partners and family members.

The Norwegian government has been sent a letter of formal notice to respond to these complaints.

More about the letter of formal notice.