The EU’s relations with non-EU Western European countries (Andorra, Iceland, Monaco, Norway, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Switzerland, United Kingdom) differ in many respects from those with the other European non-EU countries. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are to a significant degree integrated with the EU’s internal market, with differing conditions for such integration.

EU-Western Europe Cooperation

As members of the European Economic Area (EEA), the legal basis for the participation of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein in the internal market is the EEA agreement; for Switzerland, it is a number of bilateral agreements concluded after the rejection of EEA accession by the Swiss people in the 1992 referendum.

Andorra, Monaco and San Marino are less integrated into the internal market, although Andorra and San Marino have customs union agreements with the EU and Monaco is part of the customs territory of the EU by virtue of its customs union with France. Negotiations on Association Agreements between the EU and, respectively, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino may be launched in the near future. None of the non-EU countries in Western Europe is currently in an accession process with the EU.

These countries have a high standard of living and present very few of the developmental or political issues (e.g. human rights abuses, lack of democratic governance and respect for fundamental freedoms) which are central to the EU's agenda with many third countries. The EU also maintains diplomatic relations with the Holy See, which is an important partner for the EU on both European and global affairs.

While the Trade and Cooperation Agreement concluded between the EU and the UK will by no means match the level of economic integration that existed while the UK was an EU Member State, it goes beyond traditional free trade agreements and provides a solid basis for preserving our longstanding friendship and cooperation.

Faroe Islands and the EU

Formal relations between the EU and the Faroe Islands are at present based on three separate bilateral agreements dealing with fisheries, trade in goods, and scientific and technological cooperation. More information is available here.

Holy See and the EU

The EU and the Holy See are like-minded partners. They established diplomatic relations in 1970. The first EU Ambassador to the Holy See was accredited in June 2006; the first Nuncio was accredited in 1970 to the EU. The EU Ambassador to the Holy See is, as the Head of Delegation in Rome, also EU Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino, the Order of Malta and the Rome-based UN organisations. Pope Francis is, as Bishop of Rome, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. He heads both the Holy See and the Vatican City State. More information is available here.

Iceland and the EU

Iceland is among the EU's closest partners. EU-Iceland cooperation is based on shared fundamental values and underpinned by our common heritage and history, as well as strong cultural and geographical ties. Iceland has a close relationship with the EU through the European Economic Area Agreement (EEA) and several other bilateral agreements. On the world stage, the EU and Iceland are like-minded actors, supporting each other in a number of areas. More information is available here.

Monaco and the EU

The European Union and the Principality of Monaco are like-minded close neighbours, sharing history, culture and language and have signed several agreements of cooperation. Since 2015, the EU and Andorra, Monaco, San Marino are negotiating an Association Agreement on their participation in the EU internal market. More information is available here.

Principality of Andorra and the EU

The European Union and Andorra are like-minded close neighbours sharing history, culture and language and have signed several agreements of cooperation. Since 2015, the EU and Andorra, Monaco, San Marino are negotiating an Association Agreement on their participation in the EU internal market. Priorities: the EU’s main priority is to conclude the Association Agreement negotiations. More information is available here.

Principality of Liechtenstein and the EU

Liechtenstein has a close economic relationship with the EU trough the European Economic Area Agreement (EEA), which Liechtenstein joined in 1995. More information is available here.

Norway and the EU

Norway is among the EU's closest partners. EU-Norway cooperation is based on shared fundamental values and underpinned by our common heritage and history, as well as strong cultural and geographical ties.  Norway has a close relationship with the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement and several other bilateral agreements. The EU and Norway also enjoy very close and active cooperation on foreign and security policy issues. More information is available here.

The European Union and the Order of Malta

The EU and the Order of Malta (official name: Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta) entertain diplomatic relations. In June 2007, the first Head of the EU Delegation in Rome was accredited to the Order of Malta. A representative of the Order is accredited to the EU. The Order of Malta, a sovereign subject of international law, is one of the world’s oldest and largest humanitarian organisations (11th century), providing humanitarian, medical and social assistance impartially in 120 countries and facilitating mediation in international conflicts. More information available here.

San Marino and the EU

The European Union and the Republic of San Marino established diplomatic relations in 1983. They are like-minded close neighbours sharing history, culture and language and have signed several agreements of cooperation. Since 2015, the EU and San Marino, Andorra and Monaco are negotiating an Association Agreement on their participation in the EU internal market. This would be a far-reaching agreement to be compared only with the European Economic Area Agreement with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Priorities: the EU’s main priority is to conclude the Association Agreement negotiations. More information available here.

Switzerland and the EU

The European Union (EU) and Switzerland foster close relations in the fields of politics, trade and science, among others. Here you will find the key elements of this partnership. More information avialable here.

United Kingdom and the EU

In March 2017, the UK notified the President of the European Council of its intention to leave the EU. After a period of intense negotiations, the EU and the UK agreed first on a Withdrawal Agreement and then a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). With these two agreements now fully ratified, the EU and the UK have entered a new phase in their relationship. The EU Delegation to the UK is working with the UK government, civil society, business, academia and the media to support the implementation of these agreements to the benefit of citizens and business on both sides. Throughout this process, the EU has maintained its deep political and financial commitment to peace and stability in Northern Ireland. More information here.