Emissions
The Effort Sharing Regulation means the EEA EFTA States have national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The European Emissions Trading System further aims to reduce emissions through cap-and-trade.
Environment and energy
In recent years, an increasing number of legislative acts have been incorporated into the EEA Agreement in the fields of environment and energy. ESA works with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the EU to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Working towards a better environment
EEA law aims to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment and to protect human health. ESA cooperates with the EEA EFTA States and the EU to ensure that these environmental goals are met.
Cooperating on energy
The Third Energy Package entered into force as a main legal framework as regards the EEA EFTA States in 2019. It aims at improving the functioning of the internal market for energy. ESA cooperates with the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (“ACER”) when adopting decisions relevant for the EEA EFTA States.
Contributing to climate ambitions
Since 2019, Iceland, Norway and the European Union have deepened their cooperation on climate action. ESA monitors that Iceland and Norway meet their climate goals, and sets binding annual emissions targets for each of the two countries.
Land use and forestry
In 2020, ESA adopted "forest reference levels" for Iceland and Norway for the 2021-2025 period. These reference levels help States account for their net carbon emissions from managed forest land.
ESA is also tasked with assessing the long-term strategies on land use, land use change and forestry prepared by Iceland and Norway.
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