15/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - Iceland may now benefit from EU pre-accession aid. The regulation adding the country to the list of beneficiary countries under the instrument for pre-accession assistance (or IPA) took effect on 14 July. The fund helps candidate countries to strengthen their institutional and administrative capacity and to prepare for implementation of the Community body of law. “This decision bears witness to our resolve to support Iceland's membership process. We encourage the country to do what is necessary to ensure the success of its accession to the European Union”, commented Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle. After the European Council's approval given in June at the opening of the island's membership talks, it is foreseen that the General Affairs Council of 26 July will adopt the negotiating framework. A first meeting with the Iceland negotiators may then take place on 27 July, Füle recently announced (EUROPE 10176). (H.B./transl.jl)