Staff portraits - Interview with Johanne Førde

Johanne Førde comes from Jølster in Sunnfjord in Norway and has been working at ESA since November 2024. She comes straight from the law firm Schjødt where she was head of the EU and competition law practice group. In the interview below, Johanne shares some of her insights and experiences from working at ESA. 

1. What is your current position at the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) and which fields do you mostly work with?  

I am a Legal Adviser in ESA’s Legal and Executive Affairs department (LEA). LEA is ESA's legal service, providing horizontal advice and representing the organisation in court. This means that I am exposed to all fields of EEA law. I currently work mostly with internal market law, and I have a particular focus on public procurement, the free movement of workers and citizen rights. 

The work allows me to represent ESA in court proceedings, mainly before the EFTA Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union. I also provide legal advice to ESA's College and review draft decisions prepared by other departments. 

2. How did you end up in this position? 

Since graduating, I have been specialising in EEA law and litigation. The offer to join ESA therefore provided me with a perfect opportunity. Working on the inside of an EEA institution allows me to enhance my understanding of EEA law, which is something I want to achieve during my career.  

3. What roles or areas have you worked in prior to your current position?  

Before joining ESA, I was working as a senior lawyer and head of the EU and competition law practice group for Schjødt, an Oslo-based law firm. There, I represented and advised clients on EEA-related issues, with a particular focus on the fundamental freedoms of the internal market, public procurement, and state aid. 

4. What is your experience working at ESA?  

I am really enjoying it! ESA is a wonderful place to work with highly competent colleagues. The international environment provides the opportunity to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which promotes a unique perspective on the work we do. I am learning a lot, and I am excited that I get to take part in important matters of EEA law. 

5. How has your experience been living in Brussels?  

Living in Brussels has been a great experience so far, it is an exciting city with a lot to offer. I appreciate the diversity of cultures, languages, and perspectives that come together here. It is a place where there is always something new to explore. Brussels is also centrally located, making it easy to travel to other major European cities by train. I am really looking forward to exploring even more of what the city and its surrounding areas have to offer.  

6. What do you wish more people knew about the EEA Agreement?   

In general, I wish the focus would shift more towards the positive impact of the EEA Agreement, rather than the challenges it may pose. The agreement creates a comprehensive legal framework that benefits both individuals and businesses. It enables people to live, work, and move freely across the EEA and provides the EEA EFTA States with access to the EU’s internal market. I believe that emphasising the positive outcomes can impact the appreciation for how the EEA Agreement contributes to economic growth, cooperation, and shared opportunities across Europe.  

7. Why do you think ESA’s work is important, and in what sense is it meaningful to you?  

ESA's work is extremely important and meaningful. The organisation's role in monitoring compliance with the EEA Agreement enables Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein to fully participate in the EU’s internal market, while also playing a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of individuals and businesses.