Europese Commissie geeft groen licht voor toetredingsonderhandelingen met IJsland (en)

Outside view of the Icelandic Parliament Building (Althingi), where Members of Parliament, in July 2009, approved the motion to authorize the government of this Nordic country to apply for EU i membership.

Spain's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has welcomed the report issued by the European Commission in favour of opening accession negotiations with Iceland, calling it “excellent news”.

Speaking at the Conference of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairpersons (COFACC) being held in Madrid, the minister said, “I think it is excellent news that a country such as Iceland wishes to join the EU. (As President for this period) Spanish efforts have focussed on ensuring that the European Commission follows the provisions of the Treaty, and the new Commission has seen fit to show confidence in and support for the hopes of the people of Iceland”.

The government of Iceland formally submitted its request for accession on 16 July, during the Swedish Presidency . During the Council meeting of 27 July, EU ministers of foreign affairs took note of the application and invited the Commission to issue an opinion.

In its report issued on 24 February, the European Commission acknowledges Iceland's adhesion to the shared values of the Union, such as democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and identifies the challenges the country will face on the road to membership. The recommendation of the Commission must be evaluated by the EU Council, which will decide whether to open negotiations.

Should the Council decide to open accession negotiations with Iceland, the Spanish Presidency will ensure that these are carried out according to established mechanisms and procedures.