Brussels, 23/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 22 March, the European Parliament (EP) foreign affairs committee adopted the report by Cristian Dan Preda (EPP, Romania) on progress made by Iceland since accession negotiations were opened in July 2010. MEPs hailed the prospect of welcoming one of Europe's oldest democracies, with its efficient market economy, into the EU but are very aware of the sensitive issues that could prove problematic, particularly whale hunting, which is banned in the EU, and Iceland's desire to protect its fisheries and agriculture markets. In fisheries, the EP says it is imperative that a solution be found to the mackerel quota dispute. MEPs stress, too, that Iceland should bring its fisheries laws into line with EU internal market rules as regards the right of establishment, freedom to provide services and free movement of capital in the fisheries production and processing sectors. Iceland has already stated in its general position on accession that it wishes to maintain some control of fisheries management in its exclusive economic zone. “Serious divergences” remain on whale hunting, adds the committee, emphasising that the ban on whaling is part of the acquis communautaire. MEPs also hailed the new agreement on Icesave reached between Iceland, the UK and the Netherlands. They welcomed approval of the agreement by a three-quarters majority in the Icelandic Parliament on 17 February 2011 and hoped that the new public referendum on the agreement, scheduled for 9 April, would have a positive result. The report noted with satisfaction that recent opinion polls appeared to show increased support on the part of the Icelandic population for the continuation of accession talks. The committee expressed the view, however, that substantial efforts are still needed to inform Iceland's citizens of what EU membership entails. MEPs urge the government to broaden the public debate, to be based on clear, factual information on the consequences of EU membership, so that the public “can make an informed choice in the future referendum on accession”. (H.B./transl.rt)