§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Council meeting of 21 December 1993 in regard to enlargement of the European Communities; and what outstanding matters remain on health, environment, and agricultural harmonisation between the European Union and European Economic Area.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydExcellent progress was made at the negotiating sessions with Sweden, Finland, Norway and Austria at the 21 December Foreign Affairs Council. A large number of negotiating chapters were closed.
The European economic area—EEA—came into force on 1 January. On health, the EEA extends EC legislation to the participating European Free Trade Association —EFTA—states—Norway, Sweden, Austria, Finland and Iceland—so that EEA nationals are entitled to reciprocal health care benefits in all EEA member states. On the environment, the agreement provides for increased co-operation between EEA states but does not include the harmonisation of environmental legislation. On agriculture, the EEA does not require the participating EFTA states to bring their support arrangements into line with the common agricultural policy, but they have agreed to adopt much of the EU's regulatory legislation in the veterinary, phytosanitary and other areas. Except where transitional periods are agreed, or derogations granted, the four members of EFTA currently negotiating to join the EU will have to adopt the entire body of Community legislation in these areas on their accession.