Brussels, 13/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - The Icelandic government is no longer considered a candidate country for joining the European Union.
In a letter to the Latvian Presidency of the European Council of Ministers and the European Commission, Iceland's foreign minister, Gunnar B. Sveinsson, says that “the government of Iceland has no intention to resume accession talks (…) It remains the firm position of the government that Iceland should not be regarded as a candidate country for EU membership and [the Icelandic government] considers it appropriate that the EU adjust its working procedures accordingly.”
Iceland's request to join the European Union dates back to 2009 after the country suffered a serious financial crisis, with the implosion of its banking system. Despite reluctance from the parties of the left, the centre-right Icelandic government did not hide its intention to withdraw its application for EU membership, but awaited the results of an assessment on the accession process (see EUROPE 11223). One of the most controversial subjects in the accession negotiations was the common fisheries policy.
Sveinsson underlined the importance of maintaining “close relations and cooperation” between Iceland and the EU based on the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, and of preserving the “unity” in “difficult times in European history when basic elements of security and economic prosperity are being tested”. Iceland also participates in the Schengen area visa agreement and it cooperates with the EU on issues of interest for the Arctic region.
“It is a sovereign decision. The request was made in a tough moment. Now Iceland wants to take a break. That's fine. The door is open”, said Margaritis Schinas, a spokesperson for the European Commission, on Friday. Nevertheless, according to the Commission, Reykjavik has not formally withdrawn its EU membership application at the Council of the EU, which must in the end take a decision accordingly.
Regretting the Icelandic government's announcement, the S&D Group at the European Parliament called on the Icelandic government to respect the commitment taken in summer 2013 to consult the population on any new decision about EU membership. (Mathieu Bion)