Brussels, 14/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 13 June, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle and Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson stressed the importance of strengthening relations between the European Union and Iceland. A referendum is due to be held in Iceland on whether or not to continue with the process of joining the EU. Stating that his objective for this meeting was “to tell the Commission that the new government has taken the decision to put the negotiations on hold”, Sveinsson added that “we are part of Europe and we want to strengthen our relationship through other means”. “We will doubtless find a structure making our relationship stronger for the benefit of EU and Icelandic citizens”, Füle stated.
In Füle's view, the fact that Sveinsson's first trip abroad as foreign affairs minister is to Brussels “shows the strength of the relations that Iceland and the EU have built up to now”. And while “the EU respects the new approach of the accession process by the Icelandic government”, Füle also underlined that “we remain fully committed to continuing and completing the process”.
Füle stated that the Commission is waiting for the results of the Icelandic government's assessment of the state of progress on the accession negotiations and the developments within the EU - a report which will be presented to the Icelandic parliament. This technical assessment is due to be presented in the autumn and the continuation (or not) of the accession process will be discussed. “It is in the interest of the EU and of Iceland that the decision be taken on the basis of appropriate reflection. However, it is also in our interest that the decision not be taken in an unlimited timeframe”, Füle said. Sveinsson stated that the date of the referendum on continuing the EU membership process is still not known. “We will assess a number of things. There has been no decision on the dates of a referendum”, he said.
The majority of Icelanders are opposed to their country joining the EU, according to several polls. Of the 35 negotiation chapters, 27 are already open and 11 have been provisionally closed. Reykjavik has concluded a trade treaty with the EU, is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and is part of the Schengen area. (CG/transl.fl)