ABSTRACT
It can be argued that two considerations have dominated the history of EC-EFTA relations-namely determining the scope and the level of success of strategies for cooperation between the two trading blocs. In particular, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries were presented with several options in order to deal with the emerging European Community (EC). In short, the scope of EFTA cooperation with the EC could range into four categories; first, no participation in the EC’s integration efforts; second, the pursuit of a sectoral case-by-case approach; third, a comprehensive approach covering most of the issue areas of Community integration, or finally, seeking full EC membership. In addition, more than one strategy could be adopted in order to facilitate the scope of cooperation. The EFTA countries could unilaterally or bilaterally adapt to EC rules, co-ordinate their bilateral adaptation to those rules or consider multilateral action between EFTA and the EC. However, in practice, both the scope and success of EFTA strategies depended on the Community’s willingness to engage in cooperation.
