Iceland says no to new EU membership
The Icelandic government has made it clear that the country does not wish to start new negotiations for EU membership. Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir confirms that Iceland prefers to remain outside the union, despite the country already being part of the EEA agreement.
The decision comes after a period of debate regarding Iceland's ties to Europe. Iceland applied for membership in 2009 following a severe economic crisis, but the application was later withdrawn in 2015. Since then, there has been little political will to resume the process.
For Norway, Iceland's position is important, as both countries cooperate closely through the EEA agreement. Iceland believes that the current agreement provides the country with sufficient access to the European market, while simultaneously allowing them to retain control over their own natural resources, particularly fisheries.
Although the EU is an important trading partner for both Iceland and Norway, the Icelandic government points out that national independence is a priority. Therefore, no changes to Iceland's relationship with the EU are expected in the near future.