US EditionIceland could become EU member in 2028, minister says
Iceland plans an August 29 referendum to resume EU talks, with fisheries, agriculture, and labor market as key challenges, aiming for membership by 2028.
- On Wednesday, Iceland's government proposed holding a referendum on August 29 to decide whether to resume European Union membership negotiations, with Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir expressing optimism about joining by 2028.
- Reykjavik froze membership talks in 2013 under a more Eurosceptic government, but rising living costs and geopolitical instability, including Russia's war in Ukraine, have renewed interest in joining the bloc.
- Gunnarsdottir identified fisheries and agriculture as the toughest negotiation points, stating, "We have seen that it's beneficial to have a voice at the table."
- EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said Iceland "would certainly be a frontrunner in this process," though full membership would require a second referendum following successful negotiations.
- Home to 400,000 people, Iceland is already a founding member of NATO and participates in the European single market and Schengen open-border zone, positioning it for deeper integration.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Iceland is a place of longing for many people in Europe, but Iceland's longing for a wonderfully predictable Europe is also growing. A decision is soon to be made whether the country of the elves and geysers will start accession negotiations with the EU - which would benefit enormously.
Iceland wary of Brexit-like 'lies' ahead of EU referendum, says foreig
Iceland's foreign minister Þorgerður Katrín says now is the time to revive talks to join the EU. Within today's context of instability in transatlantic relations as well as in global politics in general, Iceland must not be left "alone".
The current government would hold a referendum at the end of the summer on whether to restart the accession processes that were halted 13 years ago.
Iceland could join the European Union as early as 2028, Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir said in Brussels on Wednesday. The Icelandic government had previously proposed – as reported by 444 – that a referendum on whether to continue European integration talks be held on August 29 this year. Icelanders have been at this point before, but the accession process was halted by Reykjavik in 2013 after a more Eurosceptic government came…
"If Icelanders choose to continue, we are committed to accelerating negotiations on Iceland's priorities," said Marta Kos, the EU's Enlargement Commissioner, after her meeting with Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir in Brussels today. See also Iceland and EU seal defense cooperation There, Þorgerður Katrín signed Iceland's defense and security agreement with the European Union and then discussed possible accession negotiations follo…
Iceland could become EU member in 2028, minister says
Iceland's Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir told Reuters on Wednesday she is optimistic her country could join the European Union as early as 2028, adding she expects fisheries and agriculture to be the toughest points of negotiation.
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