The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 to promote free trade and economic integration among its member countries. EFTA currently includes four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The organization aims to facilitate trade in goods and services, as well as investment, by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. EFTA operates independently of the European Union (EU) but maintains a close relationship with it through various agreements. The association also engages in trade negotiations with non-EU countries, allowing its members to expand their trade networks globally while preserving their sovereignty in trade policy.