European Economic Area

The European Economic Area (EEA) was formed in 1994 and includes, besides the 27 European Union (EU) member states, also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, three of four countries that are not full members of the EU but wish to join the internal European Single Market.

Switzerland is the only country that has decided not to participate following a referendum held in the country.

The EEA agreement is concerned with four basic trans-European freedoms that assure the market's prosperity: freedom of movement of goods, persons, services and capital.

In the Internet gambling context, regulatory efforts by the UK and other countries allow for sites that operate in EEA member countries to provide services to EEA citizens. The countries must all support consumer protection and free economic operations by the companies.