Under the terms of the agreement on the European Economic Area, Norway has become part of the EU internal market. The EEA Agreement applies to the 15 EU countries and three of the EFTA countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. 
Accordingly, the EU legislation covering the internal market also applies to Norway. The agreement has thus created equal competitive conditions for enterprises in the EU countries and Norway, and provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital and persons. The dynamic nature of the agreement means that new EU legislation can be rapidly incorporated into Norwegian law. 
Industrial goods are not subject to customs duties. For fish products, agricultural products and other types of food, customs duties have in many cases been abolished or substantially reduced. A certificate of origin and customs routines are still necessary, but the rules are becoming increasingly simplified. 
Technical barriers in trade have been abolished through common rules for state aid to industry and common product standards and inspection arrangements. 
Public procurement above certain threshold values must be subject to an open invitation to tender, including both Norway and the EU countries. All enterprises in the

EEA participate on equal terms. 
EEA agreement also covers services. Free right of establishment for enterprises has been introduced for the whole EEA. Investors from EU countries may invest in enterprises or real estate 

pate in the social dialogue in the EU.
The EEA agreement does have an effect on the Norwegian trade and thereby also an effect on the central purchasing system of the municipal of Bergen. One of the most 

in Norway, and vice versa refers to the EU countries. Norwegians and the EU countries may travel freely throughout the EEA and seek work wherever they wish. 
The social dimension of EU cooperation includes Norway. Common provisions in the field of labour law and the working environment are being prepared. Norwegian labour and management also participate

important effects is that all enterprises in the EEA compete on equal terms. "Europakontoret" is an office located in the city of Bergen which informs regional enterprises and the publicity about the investments and the development in the EU and EEC countries. 
The Norwegian Government's WWW server is called ODIN and has the following address: http://odin.dep.no

The Arhus Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Scandinavia. The University of Arhus, the dynamic and expanding business environment, the rich cultural life, safety and quality of life are some of the key words that makes Arhus Region a place where people and companies want to live and locate. The population in Arhus Region has grown more than 7,5% over the last 11 years. 
The Arhus Region attracts dynamic and highly qualified people. As a result, a large number of companies chose it as one of their European locations. International companies make it more interesting to work in the region and more qualified people are attracted. Employment in the Region has increased by more than 6% over

the last 10 years. This makes Arhus Region one of the fastest growing industrial regions in Scandinavia. 
In 1990 the Department of Business and Industry in Arhus city established a Brussels office, which was the first Danish city to set up a regional office in the heart of Europe. Later on, 11 Danish municipalities and regions have followed. In 1994 a co-operation agreement covering the whole region was signed with the county. 
The overall perspective of the office is to assist in creating growth within the municipality and the region. In close co-operation with various public institutions, organisations and private companies located in the Arhus area, the consultants inform, supervise and assist in regards to funding opportunities 

within the EU system.
From the outside, the EU appears to be a gigantic bureaucracy to companies not used to dealing with international institutions. By having a permanent representation in Brussels we hope to make entities interested in participating in projects with a transeuropean perspective. 
Co-operation with other Baltic regions and regions from the applicant states has a high priority in our agenda.