12/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - Iceland's good progress. On Tuesday 11 December, European affairs ministers hailed the progress made in Iceland's accession negotiations over the last year, stressing that these negotiations “are now entering a more decisive phase”. In their conclusions, they recalled that the accession negotiations aim at the adoption of the acquis communautaire and ensuring its full implementation and enforcement by accession. The Council notes “with satisfaction” Iceland's economic recovery and improvements in its macro-economic conditions. “Iceland should be able to cope with competitive pressures and market forces within the Union over the medium term, provided that it continues to address the current challenges through appropriate macro-economic policies and structural reforms”, the ministers state. They also hailed the continuation of communication activities promoting informed public debate on Iceland's accession. (CG/transl.fl)