IJsland heeft EU-lidmaatschap aangevraagd (en)

“A historic day for us after years of discussions,” commented Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphéðinsson on Thursday, when he submitted Iceland’s application for EU membership to Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, the Swedish Presidency’s representative.

Press conference: Carl Bildt and Össur Skarphéðinsson on Iceland’s EU membership application.

According to Skarphéðinsson, both Iceland and the EU would benefit from Icelandic membership and he mentioned that in the areas of renewable energy, environment and climate change, and healthy food, Iceland should be able to contribute to the development of the EU.

The Icelandic foreign minister stated at a press conference that fisheries issues will naturally be particularly important for Iceland in the accession negotiations that lie ahead. At the same time, Iceland has already developed cooperation with the EU in many areas, which should make the negotiations easier.

The Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt, said that Iceland’s application would be  assessed in accordance with the EU’s established procedures.

“This is the start of a journey for both the EU and Iceland,” said Mr Bildt, who is also pleased that yet another Nordic country is on its way into the EU and that it will have an important impact on the Nordic dimension.