Brussels, 27/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The first intergovernmental conference (IGC) on Iceland's membership to the European Union, which marks the formal opening of membership talks with that country, was held on Tuesday 27 July in Brussels (EUROPE 10188). “Over the past 40 years, history has shown that Iceland is able to become a member of the EU, and to meet the criteria established by the European Council of Copenhagen in 1993”, said Steven Vanackere, Belgian Foreign Minister, after the IGC. He went on to add that serious efforts need to be made by Iceland in the following areas: fisheries, agriculture and rural development, environment, free movement of capital, and financial services. “This is a demanding process, but we believe Iceland has the ability and the determination to bring the process to a successful conclusion”, said Vanackere.
Stefan Füle, European Enlargement Commissioner, said “accession should be a win-win situation for both sides. For Iceland, it will mean economic and monetary stability and a voice at the EU decision-making table. For the EU, it will mean we become stronger in dealing with the Arctic region and in areas such as renewable energy and climate change”. Stefan Füle was “concerned” by the current lack of public support for Iceland's accession to the EU. “This shows it is necessary to have more objective information on EU policies”, he added. The membership decision “must be based on facts and figures, and not on fear”, he said. The population of Iceland will decide by referendum whether the country will join the EU or not.
“We won't be arriving with empty hands”, the Icelandic foreign minister, Össur Skarphéöinsson said. He advised Europe to take inspiration from the Icelandic model of sustainable fisheries and its experience in geothermal energy matters in particular. He said his country hopes the EU will take account of the fact that whale hunting is part of the Icelandic tradition, adding: “We are not putting any stock in danger”. He defended the specific nature of the fisheries sector in Iceland: - the country's economy depends very largely on fishing; - and Icelandic waters have no common frontiers with other EU countries. In his view, the common fisheries policy (CFP) was not conceived to meet this kind of situation. The minister for Iceland pointed out that Arctic agriculture in Finland is not part of CAP (common agricultural policy). “Such precedents make me optimistic. I think we can find a solution that will prove satisfactory for all”, Skarphéöinsson said. Before talks on the various chapters truly begin, the analytical screening process will provide an indepth analysis of EU rules, with which Iceland must comply (i.e. the “acquis”). Screening should unfold between November 2010 and spring 2011. (L.C./transl.jl)