The Future of EFTA from a Swiss point of View

Abstract

This thesis first examines the situation of the EFTA after the financial crisis of 2007/2008, including Iceland’s position within Europe. In the following, several possible scenarios for EFTA are being defined and analysed with respect to their likelihood of being implemented. A special focus is set on Switzerland’s position within EFTA and also within Europe, and scenarios are analysed for Switzerland’s future irrespective of EFTA.

In order to be able to fully assess EFTA’s future, this paper also touches upon the future of the European Economic Area (EEA). EFTA and the EEA are inevitably linked, as all members of the EEA, apart from the EU, are also EFTA member states. Therefore it follows that EFTA’s future will directly affect the EFTA/EEA institutions, equally EEA’s future as a result also influences EFTA’s future. Furthermore it is essential to additionally contemplate the view of the EU towards the developments within EFTA and the EEA, as the EU is the crucial counterparty in the EEA agreement, able to influence the EEA’s, as well as EFTA’s future to a considerable extent.