EFTA Surveillance Authority

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an organization that monitors the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—when they participate in the European Single Market. Its role is to ensure these countries follow agreed-upon rules, especially regarding competition, fair trade, and public measures, so the market functions smoothly and fairly for everyone. Essentially, ESA helps maintain a level playing field, making sure the participating countries adhere to regulations that promote open trade and economic cooperation within the framework of their agreements.