EEA (European Economic Area)

An agreement extending the EU single market to three non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. EEA nationals enjoy the same freedom of movement, residence, and employment rights as EU citizens within the single market. The EEA is distinct from the Schengen Area (which covers border controls) and from the EU itself (which includes full political union). Switzerland is not in the EEA but has similar rights via bilateral agreements.