Iceland and the EU

Thursday, 25 February 2010 11:13

Commenting on the European Commission opinion on Iceland's bid to join the EU published today, Diana Wallis MEP, the European Parliament Vice President responsible for Arctic and the Nordic region, said in Brussels today:

"I am concerned that some in Iceland see joining the EU and in turn the Euro as a quick fix to sort out the country's economic problems. This may be true to some extent but I think Iceland needs to join for a whole range of reasons. I am hopeful therefore that the publication of the communication today starts a process which allows for a greater understanding and perhaps greater honesty on both sides.

"Of course, Icesave is an issue that must be addressed but we cannot let one specific bilateral (with the UK and the Netherlands) issue derail Iceland's European future.

"The application process should proceed at a respectful speed to allow both sides but, most importantly, the Icelandic people who have been through tough times to be at ease with this final decision."

Diana Wallis, who was in Iceland last week, amongst other things, delivering a keynote lecture at the University of Iceland and meeting the Icelandic Prime Minister, continued:

"I strongly believe that both sides have to be honest about what Iceland's membership means. This means the EU too saying why they would welcome Iceland as a member. All new member states bring something unique to the EU. Iceland has a lot to offer on fisheries, the very unique contribution in terms of sustainable energy resources and its strategic position as an Arctic nation. Iceland should be confident about what it can offer to the EU and the EU in turn needs to be positive in its approach to Iceland."