Brussels, 07/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament is in favour of Iceland becoming a member of the EU, and considers that this “will further enhance the Union's role as a world-wide promoter and defender of human rights and fundamental freedoms”. In a resolution adopted on Thursday 7 April, in Strasbourg, MEPs therefore welcome the fact that membership talks opened last summer. In its capacity as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland is already well prepared for accession, the Parliament says. Thus, it notes in its resolution, the country meets nearly all the criteria set in 10 of the 35 chapters to be negotiated and at least partially those in 11 other chapters. On the other hand, Iceland must do more to bring its legislation into line with the acquis communautaire in areas that are not covered by the EEA, the EP states.
As far as fisheries policy is concerned - this being one of the trickiest chapters - MEPs call on Iceland and the EU to enter into talks “in a constructive way with a view to a mutually satisfactory solution for the sustainable management and exploitation of fisheries resources”. Both parties are also called upon to constructively tackle the question of joint management of mackerel fisheries. Talks underway on this must continue at a good pace “with the goal of reaching a long-term, sustainable, quota-sharing arrangement”. The EP also welcomes the agreement sealed between the representatives of the governments of Iceland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on the Icesave dossier which, however, has still to be approved by referendum. MEPs also encourage the Icelandic authorities to broaden public debate on accession, underlining that a question that is as fundamental for the country as this - and which will be the subject of a referendum in Iceland after the end of the talks - will necessarily need broad public support. The European Commission is invited to provide the Iceland authorities, at their behest, with material and technical assistance to trigger the debate and to conduct a “thorough and extensive country-wide campaign based on clear, accurate and fact-based information on the implications of EU membership, so that Icelandic citizens can make an informed choice in the future referendum on accession”. (H.B./transl.jl)