Iceland–European Union relations#2013 election and withdrawal of application

File:Iceland keflavik exit.jpg

Iceland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), a grouping of four non-EU European countries, and is also part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Through the EEA, Iceland participates with a non-voting status in certain EU agencies and programmes, including enterprise, environment, education (including the Erasmus Programme) and research programs. Iceland also contributes funds to "social and economic cohesion" in the EU/EEA.[http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iceland/index_en.htm Iceland], EEAS {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028074127/http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iceland/index_en.htm |date=28 October 2013}} Iceland also frequently consults the EU on foreign affairs and frequently aligns itself to EU foreign policy. Iceland also participates in EU civilian peacekeeping missions.[http://europe.mfa.is/sidemenu/iceland-in-europe/ Iceland´s home is in Europe], Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904034932/http://europe.mfa.is/sidemenu/iceland-in-europe/ |date=4 September 2011}}

Iceland is a member of the Nordic Passport Union and the Schengen Area, which now is under EU law, as a non-voting participant. Iceland's participation in the Schengen Area allows free movement of people between Iceland and the rest of the Schengen Area. Several thousand Icelanders travel to and study or work in the EU. A large majority of foreigners in Iceland come from the EU. Iceland is also associated with the Dublin Convention on justice and home affairs cooperation. Iceland also has links to several EU member states through its membership of the Nordic Council.

During the 2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis, instability in the Icelandic króna led to discussion in Iceland about adopting the euro. However, Jürgen Stark, a Member of the executive board of the European Central Bank, has stated that "Iceland would not be able to adopt the EU currency without first becoming a member of the EU".{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2008/02/23/iceland-cannot-adopt-euro-with-joining-eu-says-stark/|title=Iceland cannot adopt the Euro without joining EU, says Stark|publisher=IceNews|date=23 February 2008|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029035008/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2008/02/23/iceland-cannot-adopt-euro-with-joining-eu-says-stark/|archive-date=29 October 2012}} As of the ECB's May 2012 convergence report, Iceland did not meet any of the convergence criteria.{{cite web|url=http://www.ecb.int/pub/pdf/conrep/cr201205en.pdf|title=Convergence Report May 2012|publisher=European Central Bank|date=May 2012|access-date=20 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025114309/http://www.ecb.int/pub/pdf/conrep/cr201205en.pdf|archive-date=25 October 2012}} One year later, the country managed to comply with the deficit criteria and had begun to decrease its debt-to-GDP ratio,{{cite web|title=European economic forecast – Winter 2013|url=http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2013/pdf/ee1_en.pdf|publisher=European Commission|date=22 February 2013|access-date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626122101/http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2013/pdf/ee1_en.pdf|archive-date=26 June 2013}} but still suffered from elevated HICP inflation and long-term governmental interest rates.{{cite web|title=HICP (2005=100): Monthly data (12-month average rate of annual change)|url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-055112_QID_4B4205F9_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INFOTYPE,L,Z,0;COICOP,L,Z,1;INDICATORS,C,Z,2;&zSelection=DS-055112INFOTYPE,MV12R;DS-055112INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;DS-055112COICOP,CP00;&rankName1=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName2=INFOTYPE_1_2_-1_2&rankName3=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName4=COICOP_1_2_-1_2&rankName5=GEO_1_2_0_1&pprRK=FIRST&pprSO=PROTOCOL&ppcRK=FIRST&ppcSO=ASC&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=ROLLING&lang=EN&cfo=%23%23%23%2C%23%23%23.%23%23%23|publisher=Eurostat|date=16 August 2012|access-date=6 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107152952/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-055112_QID_4B4205F9_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INFOTYPE,L,Z,0;COICOP,L,Z,1;INDICATORS,C,Z,2;&zSelection=DS-055112INFOTYPE,MV12R;DS-055112INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;DS-055112COICOP,CP00;&rankName1=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName2=INFOTYPE_1_2_-1_2&rankName3=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName4=COICOP_1_2_-1_2&rankName5=GEO_1_2_0_1&pprRK=FIRST&pprSO=PROTOCOL&ppcRK=FIRST&ppcSO=ASC&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=ROLLING&lang=EN&cfo=%23%23%23%2C%23%23%23.%23%23%23|archive-date=7 November 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-055774_QID_43FDB340_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INTRT,L,Z,0;INDICATORS,C,Z,1;&zSelection=DS-055774INTRT,MCBYMOV;DS-055774INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;&rankName1=INTRT_1_2_-1_2&rankName2=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName3=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName4=GEO_1_2_0_1&pprRK=FIRST&pprSO=PROTOCOL&ppcRK=FIRST&ppcSO=ASC&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=ROLLING&lang=EN&cfo=%23%23%23%2C%23%23%23.%23%23%23|title=Long-term interest rate statistics for EU Member States (monthly data for the average of the past year)|publisher=Eurostat|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109060044/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-055774_QID_43FDB340_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INTRT,L,Z,0;INDICATORS,C,Z,1;&zSelection=DS-055774INTRT,MCBYMOV;DS-055774INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;&rankName1=INTRT_1_2_-1_2&rankName2=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName3=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName4=GEO_1_2_0_1&pprRK=FIRST&pprSO=PROTOCOL&ppcRK=FIRST&ppcSO=ASC&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=ROLLING&lang=EN&cfo=%23%23%23%2C%23%23%23.%23%23%23|url-status=live}}

Academics have proposed several explanations for why Iceland has not joined the European Union:

• The importance of the fishing industry to Iceland's economy and the perception that EU membership (and its Common Fisheries Policy) will have an adverse effect on the fishing industry.{{Cite book|title = The Nordic States and European Unity|last = Ingebritsen|first = Christine|publisher = Cornell University Press|year = 1998}}{{Cite book|title = Iceland and European Integration: On the Edge|last = Thorhallsson|first = Baldur|publisher = Routledge|year = 2004}}{{Cite book|title=Nordic Nationalism and Right-Wing Populist Politics|last=Bergmann|first=Eirikur|date=2017-01-01|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK|isbn=9781137567024|pages=93–124|language=en|doi=10.1057/978-1-137-56703-1_4|chapter = Iceland: Ever-Lasting Independence Struggle}}
• The perception that EU membership will have an adverse effect on Iceland's agricultural sector.
• Iceland's strong ties with the United States, which included significant economic, diplomatic and military assistance, decreased Iceland's dependence on European countries.
• The victories in the Cod Wars (1958-1976) may have strengthened Icelandic nationalism and boosted the perception that Iceland can succeed through unilateral or bilateral means rather than compromise in multilateral frameworks.
• The Icelandic electoral system favors rural areas, which are more eurosceptic.
• The tendency for Icelandic elites to pursue education in the United States or eurosceptic European countries (such as the United Kingdom or the Nordic countries), and to cooperate more closely with political elites from those countries.
• Icelandic nationalism and the legacy of Iceland's struggle for national sovereignty.{{Cite journal|title = Iceland: A postimperial sovereignty project|journal = Cooperation and Conflict|date = 2014-03-01|issn = 0010-8367|pages = 33–54|volume = 49|issue = 1|doi = 10.1177/0010836713514152|language = en|first = Eiríkur|last = Bergmann|s2cid = 154972672}}{{Cite book|title = Íslenska þjóðríkið – uppruni og endimörk|last = Hálfdanarson|first = Guðmundur|publisher = Reykjavík: Hið íslenska bókmenntafélag og ReykjavíkurAkademían|year = 2001}}
• The impact of the Icesave dispute with the Netherlands and the UK.

{{See also|Economy of Iceland}}

File:Iceland Reykjavík Port Whaling Ships.jpg

File:Iceland Export Treemap 2020.png

Economic relations between Iceland and the European Union are primarily governed by two agreements: a bilateral free trade agreement signed in 1972, and the agreement on the EEA in 1994. The EEA was established to give Iceland, among other European countries outside the EU, access to the EU market. Iceland's access to the EU market in respect of agriculture and fisheries is dealt with by separate bilateral agreements. Iceland is legally bound to implement into its own law all EU directives applicable to the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital. This is complemented by regular meetings between EU and Icelandic officials, including a twice-yearly meeting of EEA foreign ministers.[http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/iceland/ Iceland], European Commission {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325033235/http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/iceland/ |date=25 March 2013}}

78% of Iceland's exports went to the EU and 52% of Iceland's imports came from it, making the EU Iceland's most important trading partner, followed by Norway. Traditionally, Iceland's economy has focused on fisheries and renewable energy (primarily hydroelectricity and geothermal energy - see energy in Iceland for more details), but it has been diversifying into aluminium production, pharmaceuticals, information technologies, tourism and the financial sector. Iceland is still a large exporter of fish (the third largest exporter to the EU after Norway and China) with a world trade surplus of €1.1 billion in 2008. In fisheries, the EU had a 2009 trade deficit of €879 million. Until Iceland's 2009 financial crisis, its commercial services sector had been growing rapidly, accounting for almost 35% of total exports (goods and services combined).

{{Infobox EU accession bid

|logo = Iceland EU accession logo.png

|status = Application frozen

|nation = Iceland

|national_denonym = Icelandic

|map = European Union Iceland Locator.svg

|chapters_opened = 27

|chapters_closed = 11

|national_GDP_PPP = 12,664

|national_gdp_ppp_per_capita = 52,490

|national_area_total = 103,001

|national_population = 319,756

|website = [http://eu.mfa.is/ eu.mfa.is]

}}

Iceland applied to join the European Union on 16 July 2009 and formal negotiations began on 27 July 2010.[http://europe.mfa.is/phase1/timeline/ Timeline of events – Iceland's application for membership of the EU], Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903164421/http://europe.mfa.is/phase1/timeline/ |date=3 September 2011}} However, on 13 September 2013 the Government of Iceland dissolved its accession team and suspended its application to join the EU. On 12 March 2015, Foreign Minister of Iceland Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson stated that he had sent a letter to the EU withdrawing the application for membership, without the approval of the Althing, though the European Union stated that Iceland had not formally withdrawn the application.RÚV, [http://ruv.is/frett/umsoknin-ekki-formlega-dregin-til-baka Application not formally withdrawn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802133345/http://ruv.is/frett/umsoknin-ekki-formlega-dregin-til-baka |date=2 August 2016}}

If negotiations were to resume, Iceland would face controversial issues on fisheries which could potentially derail an agreement, despite already being a member of the European Economic Area (which excludes fishery). If an agreement were to be concluded, the accession treaty would be subject to a national referendum in Iceland and require ratification by every EU state.[http://europe.mfa.is/phase-3---ratification-process/ratification-process/ National Referendum – Iceland's application for membership of the EU], Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904035335/http://europe.mfa.is/phase-3---ratification-process/ratification-process/ |date=4 September 2011}}

{{Politics of Iceland}}

From 1995 to 2007 the government coalition of the conservative Independence Party (Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn) and the conservative Progressive Party (Framsóknarflokkurinn), opposed joining the EU, while the opposition Social Democratic Alliance (Samfylkingin) supported membership negotiations. In 1994, the Social Democratic Party (Alþýðuflokkurinn) became the first Icelandic political party to include the intention to apply to join the EU in its policy statement.{{Cite book|title = Iceland and European Integration: On the edge|url = https://archive.org/details/icelandeuropeani00thor|url-access = limited|last = Thorhallsson|first = Baldur|publisher = Routledge|year = 2004|pages = [https://archive.org/details/icelandeuropeani00thor/page/n19 3]–4| isbn=9780415282529}} Despite this hostility towards EU membership, the Independence Party was forced to accept some of the constraints associated with participation in the European project. Iceland sought shelter provided by the EEA, EFTA and Schengen because non-membership of the EEA and EFTA would have threatened its key economic interests, and non-membership of Schengen would have imposed burdens on Icelandic individuals.

Former Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson predicted on 8 February 2006 that the country would join the EU by 2015. He added that the decisive factor would be the future and the size of the Eurozone, especially whether Denmark, Sweden and the UK would have adopted the euro or not.Rettman, Andrew (9 February 2006). [http://euobserver.com/9/20865 Iceland in EU by 2015, prime minister says]. EU Observer. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716075906/http://euobserver.com/9/20865 |date=16 July 2011}} His prediction received some criticism, not the least from people within his own government.[http://eunews.blogspot.com/2006/02/msson-as-good-as-alone-with-his.html Prime Minister Ásgrímsson as good as alone in his predictions]. EU related news from Iceland, 14 February 2006 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425005246/http://eunews.blogspot.com/2006/02/msson-as-good-as-alone-with-his.html |date=25 April 2014}}

Another former Prime Minister, Geir H. Haarde, has on a number of occasions stated his opposition to EU membership, both as Foreign Minister under Halldór Ásgrímsson and after taking office as Prime Minister. In response to Halldór Ásgrímsson's earlier prediction, Haarde said, "I don't share that point of view. Our policy is not to join in the foreseeable future. We are not even exploring membership." In a speech at a conference at the University of Iceland on 31 March 2006, Geir Haarde repeated what he had said on a number of occasions—that no special Icelandic interests demanded membership of the EU. In the same speech he further explained in detail why it would not be in the interest of Iceland to adopt the euro.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080704110701/http://www.teameurope.info/node/91 Slashing the rumours: Iceland is far from adopting the euro]}}. Team. 2 May 2007

Following the 2007 election, the Independence Party and the Social Democratic Alliance formed a new coalition with a policy of not applying for membership, but setting up a special committee to monitor the development within the EU and suggest ways to respond to that.[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2556758,00.html Iceland Mulls EU Membership], DW-World, 24 May 2007 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118160324/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C2144%2C2556758%2C00.html |date=18 January 2012}}

Due to Iceland's limited currency,{{clarify|date=December 2012}} the government has explored the possibility of adopting the euro without joining the European Union. The EU, however, says that Iceland cannot join the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) without becoming a full EU member state (all other non-EU states that use the euro do so because they previously used a member state currency that was replaced by the euro).

{{See also|2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis}}

At a meeting of members of his party on 17 May 2008, Geir Haarde said that in his opinion the cost of joining the EU outweighed the benefits, and therefore he was not in favour of membership.[http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/innlent/2008/05/17/geir_eg_vil_ekki_ganga_i_esb Geir: Ég vil ekki ganga í ESB]. Mbl.is 17 May 2008 {{in lang|is}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518032223/http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/innlent/2008/05/17/geir_eg_vil_ekki_ganga_i_esb/ |date=18 May 2008}} However, in October 2008, during talks to repatriate a portion of Iceland's foreign invested pension funds—Iceland having been particularly affected by the 2008 financial crisis—the unions demanded that Iceland apply for EU membership in return for wage restraint.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7653750.stm Iceland moves to shore up economy]. BBC News. 5 October 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008062014/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7653750.stm |date=8 October 2008}}

On 30 October 2008, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, minister of education, said that "Iceland has to define its long-term national interests and part of that is a revision of the currency regime, including a possible EU application" and that an application for membership needed to be discussed "in weeks rather than months".[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6bae1468-a6ac-11dd-95be-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1 "Iceland sees rift over EU membership"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117020442/https://www.ft.com/content/6bae1468-a6ac-11dd-95be-000077b07658?nclick_check=1 |date=17 January 2023}} ft.com 30 October 2008

Two weeks later, on 17 November 2008, the Independence Party announced it would hold its party congress in January 2009 instead of Autumn 2009, to reconsider the possibility of applying for EU membership; the Progressive Party also announced it would hold its party congress in January, after two anti-EU MPs (including the party leader) resigned and were replaced by MPs more positive towards EU application.[http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16567&ew_0_a_id=315505 Independence Party to Form New Policy on EU]. Iceland Review. 17 November 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217171451/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16567&ew_0_a_id=315505 |date=17 February 2012}}

The Progressive Party accepted at its congress to support application for EU membership but with very strict conditions including one demanding full authority for Iceland over its fishing grounds and other national resources.{{Cite web |title=Framsókn vill sækja um ESB-aðild með skilyrðum |url=http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/innlent/2009/01/16/framsokn_vill_saekja_um_esb_2/ |work=Morgunblaðið |date=16 January 2009 |access-date=5 August 2009 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117020450/https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2009/01/16/framsokn_vill_saekja_um_esb_2/ |url-status=live}} When the government headed by the Independence Party was dissolved in January the party decided to postpone its congress until March. The congress eventually decided on an unchanged opposition to EU membership but also claimed that if the issue were opened by others both an application and an initial accession treaty with the EU should be put to a referendum.[http://www.xd.is/?action=landsfundur_2009_nanar&id=1007 Ályktun um Evrópumál] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722022957/http://www.xd.is/?action=landsfundur_2009_nanar&id=1007 |date=22 July 2011}}

The US denied Iceland's financial request for financial support after the 2008 economic crash. Iceland turned to the EU for assistance, but they also turned Iceland's request for aid down. This seriously damaged the efforts of the Europhiles in Iceland to sell the EU as a shelter provider to Iceland. The Europhiles mainly focused on the potential economic benefits of EU membership and the adoption of the euro, emphasizing the benefits of cheaper goods for consumers and enterprises, and access to aid from the EU structural funds for rural areas, agriculture and the tourism industry. There was, however, no mention of the EU as a soft security shelter provider. After a speedy economic recovery and considerable domestic opposition to membership, the application was put on hold in 2013. At present, the Icelandic government does not regard the country as a candidate to join the EU, though it has not withdrawn its membership application. Iceland's membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Schengen provide Iceland with partial political, economic and societal shelter but it is secondary to formal membership of the EU. Iceland's membership of the EU is unlikely to materialize in the present domestic and European environment. A dramatic change is needed to alter Iceland's present European policy. Domestic features of each and every state need to be taken into consideration in order to fully understand its calculations of cost and benefits of a potential shelter relationship.{{Cite book|title=Small States and Shelter Theory|last1=Thorhallsson |first1=Baldur |last2=Steinsson |first2=Sverrir|publisher=Baldur Thorhallsson|year=2019|isbn=978-1-138-61537-3|pages=178}}

Iceland's finance minister, Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, ahead of the country's first elections since the financial crisis, stated that "any decision for Iceland to join the European Union and the single currency must be taken by its people, not one political party", on the subject that the issue of EU membership was the greatest threat to a stable coalition.Johnson, Miles (24 April 2009). [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9cbd9338-3100-11de-8196-00144feabdc0.html Iceland minister warns on EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117020442/https://www.ft.com/content/9cbd9338-3100-11de-8196-00144feabdc0 |date=17 January 2023}}. Financial Times.

The 2009 election, which followed the financial crisis, saw the Progressive Party switch to supporting EU membership but the Independence Party called for a referendum prior to the start of negotiations.[http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/01/17/progressives-support-iceland-eu-entry/ Progressives support Iceland EU entry]. Ice News. 17 January 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214105147/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/01/17/progressives-support-iceland-eu-entry/ |date=14 February 2012}}[https://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2009/01/16/afx5933263.html Iceland Progressives vote to back EU accession talks]{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Forbes. 16 January 2009[http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238178722.13 Iceland's biggest party wants two EU referendums], EUBusiness, 28 March 2009 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605104811/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238178722.13|date=5 June 2011}} The Social Democratic Alliance made joining the EU a key issue in their campaign.[http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238433421.26 Icelandic parties clarify EU positions ahead of snap polls], EUBusiness, 31 March 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605104849/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238433421.26 |date=5 June 2011}}

After the win of the pro-EU Social Democratic Alliance in the election, Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir spoke of an immediate application to the European Union and adoption of the euro within four years as a way to deal with the country's debt.{{cite news|title=Iceland may join EU after left-wing victory|last=Totaro|first=Paola|date=27 April 2009|access-date=26 April 2009|publisher=The Age|url=http://www.theage.com.au/world/iceland-may-join-eu-after-leftwing-victory-20090426-ajbg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429093313/http://www.theage.com.au/world/iceland-may-join-eu-after-leftwing-victory-20090426-ajbg.html|archive-date=29 April 2009 |url-status=live}}

In late April 2009, it was announced that the United Kingdom, which at the time was a member state of the European Union with whom Iceland has had a long history of fishing and territorial water disputes, supported Iceland joining the EU.[http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=21123&ew_0_a_id=323094 Britain to Help Speed up Iceland’s EU Membership]. Iceland Review. 22 April 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217172705/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=21123&ew_0_a_id=323094 |date=17 February 2012}}

In early May 2009, it was leaked that the issue of application for EU membership would likely be left to the parliament, in which the Alliance, the Progressive Party and the Citizens' Movement together already had enough seats to approve the application.{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/iceland-prepares-launch-eu-accession-talks/article-182098|title=Iceland prepares to launch EU accession talks | EU – European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours|publisher=EurActiv.com|date=7 May 2009|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609204342/http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/iceland-prepares-launch-eu-accession-talks/article-182098|archive-date=9 June 2011}} Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, the leader of the Progressive Party, strongly objected to the suggestion that his party would assist the government in this matter, however.{{cite web|author=Ísland|url=http://www.ruv.is/heim/frettir/frett/store64/item264759/|title=RÚV – Stjórnin ýti vandanum á undan sér|language=is|publisher=Ruv.is|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615143207/http://www.ruv.is/heim/frettir/frett/store64/item264759|archive-date=15 June 2011}} The anti-EU Left-Green coalition partner accepted that in spring 2010, the minister for foreign affairs would present to the parliament a bill on talks with the EU.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/kosningar/2009/05/10/akvordun_um_esb_i_hondum_thjodarinnar/|title=Ákvörðun um ESB í höndum þjóðarinnar – mbl.is|publisher=mbl.is

On 10 May 2009, Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir announced that the government intended to move towards membership more quickly than previously expected. She announced that a bill would be introduced in parliament on 15 May 2009, authorising the opening of accession talks with the EU. She also stated that she was confident that the legislation would pass, and that she had secured a parliamentary majority on the issue, despite the official opposition to talks by one of her coalition partners. She went on to say that she expected an official application to be submitted no later than July 2009. This seemed to leave Iceland on course to join the EU along with Croatia in 2011, as predicted by EU Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn. The government has stated that the issue will be put to a vote once an accession agreement has been negotiated.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8043047.stm|title=Europe | Iceland's PM to seek vote on EU|work=BBC News|date=10 May 2009|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002211010/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8043047.stm|archive-date=2 October 2013}}

The motion to file an application for membership was officially introduced in parliament on 25 May 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/05/25/afx6462059.html|title=UPDATE 1-Iceland submits proposal to parliament for EU talks - Forbes.com|publisher=Forbes.com{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/05/26/eu-accession-bill-reached-iceland-parliament/|title=EU accession bill reaches Iceland parliament | IceNews – Daily News|publisher=Icenews.is|date=26 May 2009|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224232708/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/05/26/eu-accession-bill-reached-iceland-parliament/|archive-date=24 February 2012}} Voting was to have been held on 13 July, but was postponed until 16 July.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1911188,00.html |magazine=TIME |title=Iceland's Urgent Bid to Join the E.U. |date=17 July 2009 |access-date=17 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826204642/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C1911188%2C00.html |archive-date=26 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4484343,00.html |title=Government split puts Iceland's fast-track EU membership on hold | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 13.07.2009 |publisher=Dw-world.de |date=13 July 2009 |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717041624/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C%2C4484343%2C00.html |archive-date=17 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1247689023.31|title=Iceland vote on EU bid delayed until Thursday — EUbusiness.com – business, legal and economic news and information from the European Union|publisher=Eubusiness.com|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605111950/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1247689023.31|archive-date=5 June 2011}} First, a proposal by the Independence Party to hold a referendum on the membership application was defeated by 32 to 30 with one abstention. Then the Social Democratic Alliance's proposal to apply for membership immediately was approved with a narrow majority of 33 to 28 votes with 2 abstentions.{{cite web|url=http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=336820|title=Online|publisher=IcelandReview|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217173954/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=336820|archive-date=17 February 2012}}

[[File:European Union future possible members 2.0.svg|thumb|Countries that could join the European Union

{{legend|#003399|Current members}}

{{legend|#46a43b|Candidate countries}}

{{legend|#ffd617|Applicant / potential candidate countries}}

{{legend|#F29527|Membership possible}}

{{legend|#da2131|Membership not possible}}]]

To become a member, a country must first apply and then be recognised as a candidate country. For that to happen the country must satisfy the first of the Copenhagen criteria: it must be a politically stable democracy that respects human rights. Then negotiations will take place which will consider the country's fulfilment of economic criteria, the country's degree of adoption of EU legislation, and whether there shall be any exceptions.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn claimed that negotiations on an accession treaty would take less than a year, because Iceland had already adopted two-thirds of EU legislation[http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1224510426.18 Iceland could 'quickly' join the EU if requested: Commissioner] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023065608/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1224510426.18 |date=23 October 2008}} in relation to the EEA.{{cite web|url=http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=21123&ew_0_a_id=312509|title=Iceland's European Committee in Brussels|access-date=29 November 2008|date=23 September 2008|publisher=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003005143/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=21123&ew_0_a_id=312509|archive-date=3 October 2013}} He had on other occasions claimed that the negotiations could take up to four years.{{cite web|url=http://dagskra.ruv.is/streaming/ras1/?file=4426381/1 |title=Olli Rehn um ESB-aðilt |access-date=10 December 2008 |date=20 November 2008 |publisher=Icelandic National Television |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302102110/http://dagskra.ruv.is/streaming/ras1/?file=4426381%2F1 |archive-date=2 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}

On 30 January 2009, Rehn commented that Iceland could enter the European Union promptly in 2011, at the same time as Croatia, saying that Iceland is an old democracy but also that it should not get special treatment. Fishing quotas and Icelandic whaling may be the toughest issues in any such negotiations.{{cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/ulkomaat/artikkeli/EU+lupaa+Islannille+nopean+j%C3%A4senyyden+ilman+erikoiskohtelua/1135243145000 |title=EU lupaa Islannille nopean jäsenyyden ilman erikoiskohtelua |access-date=30 January 2009 |date=30 January 2009 |publisher=Helsingin Sanomat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131215952/http://www.hs.fi/ulkomaat/artikkeli/EU%2Blupaa%2BIslannille%2Bnopean%2Bj%C3%A4senyyden%2Bilman%2Berikoiskohtelua/1135243145000 |archive-date=31 January 2009 |url-status=live}}

On 16 July 2009, the Althing voted in favour of accession talks with the EU (with 33 votes in favour, 28 against, and 2 abstentions).{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/iceland-parliament-votes-favour-eu-talks/article-184202#|title=Iceland's parliament votes in favour of EU talks|access-date=17 July 2009|date=17 July 2009|publisher=Euractiv.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609223142/http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/iceland-parliament-votes-favour-eu-talks/article-184202|archive-date=9 June 2011}} The head of the parliamentary committee on EU affairs, Árni Þór Sigurðsson, stated that Iceland would not be ready to join the EU any earlier than 2013.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8153139.stm|title=Europe | Iceland moves towards joining EU|work=BBC News|date=16 July 2009|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716100854/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8153139.stm|archive-date=16 July 2009 |url-status=live}} However the government stated that it planned to complete negotiations by the end of 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/iceland-ready-complete-eu-talks-2011/article-184242|title=Iceland says ready to complete EU talks by 2011 | EU – European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours|publisher=EurActiv.com|date=16 July 2009|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905001358/http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/iceland-ready-complete-eu-talks-2011/article-184242|archive-date=5 September 2011}}

On 17 July 2009, the application for Icelandic membership of the EU was handed to the government of Sweden, which then held the presidency of the Council of the European Union, by the ambassador of Iceland in Stockholm.{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/07/17/application-sent-to-stockholm-for-iceland-to-join-the-eu/|title=Application sent to Stockholm for Iceland to join the EU | IceNews – Daily News|publisher=Icenews.is|date=17 July 2009|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324110816/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/07/17/application-sent-to-stockholm-for-iceland-to-join-the-eu/|archive-date=24 March 2012}} The application was again handed over by the Icelandic foreign minister to the Swedish one in a ceremony in Stockholm on 23 July 2009.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8164573.stm|title=Iceland submits EU membership bid|work=BBC News|date=23 July 2009|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002212303/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8164573.stm|archive-date=2 October 2013}}

The letter of application was dated 16 July 2009.[http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/iceland/iceland_application.pdf The application letter itself] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524040705/http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/iceland/iceland_application.pdf |date=24 May 2011}} The application was acknowledged by the Council of the European Union on 27 July 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showFocus.aspx?id=1&focusId=393&lang=en|title=CONSILIUM – Homepage|publisher=Consilium.europa.eu|access-date=25 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314181343/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showFocus.aspx?id=1&focusId=393&lang=en|archive-date=14 March 2010 |url-status=live}}

Sweden, then holder of the EU presidency, announced that it would prioritise Iceland's EU accession process.{{cite web|url=http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=325501|title=Online|publisher=IcelandReview|date=6 December 2005|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217174033/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=325501|archive-date=17 February 2012}} On 24 July, the Lithuanian Parliament unanimously approved and gave full support for Iceland's membership application to join the European Union.{{cite web|author=Balkanson says|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/07/24/the-lithuanian-parliament-supports-icelands-eu-membership/|title=The Lithuanian Parliament supports Iceland's EU Membership | IceNews – Daily News|publisher=Icenews.is|date=24 July 2009|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324110855/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/07/24/the-lithuanian-parliament-supports-icelands-eu-membership/|archive-date=24 March 2012}} Later, on 27 July, Malta also announced that it supports Iceland's EU bid.{{cite web|url=http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=62660&newscategory=31|title=News Details|publisher=DI-VE|date=27 July 2009|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-date=13 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213221936/http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=62660&newscategory=31|url-status=dead}}

In September 2009, the Spanish foreign minister visited Iceland to discuss the progress of the Icelandic application; Spain chaired the EU from January–June 2010. On 8 September, the EU commission sent a list of 2,500 questions to Iceland about its fulfilment of political and economic criteria and adoption of EU law. Iceland returned answers to them on 22 October 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/10/23/iceland-returns-eu-questions/|title=Iceland returns EU questions|publisher=Icenews.is|date=23 October 2009|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324111314/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/10/23/iceland-returns-eu-questions/|archive-date=24 March 2012}} On 2 November, Iceland selected a chief negotiator for the membership negotiations with the EU: Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, Iceland's Ambassador to Belgium.{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/11/02/stefan-haukur-johannesson-to-serve-as-iceland%E2%80%99s-chief-eu-negotiator/|title=Stefan Haukur Johannesson to serve as Iceland's Chief EU negotiator|publisher=Icenews.is|date=2 November 2009|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128115904/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/11/02/stefan-haukur-johannesson-to-serve-as-iceland%E2%80%99s-chief-eu-negotiator/|archive-date=28 January 2010}}

In January 2010 the Icesave dispute became an issue. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands wanted the Icelandic government to repay them the costs incurred in covering their citizens' losses due to the bankruptcy of some Icelandic banks. If Iceland did not pay, obstacles to membership could be laid by the UK and the Netherlands. If Iceland agreed to repay the UK and the Netherlands, the added debt would make it difficult to adopt the euro, a major reason for Iceland to join the EU, because of the convergence criteria. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos, who then held the Presidency of the European Union, has said that the Icesave dispute does not impact Iceland's application.{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2010/01/09/skarphedinsson-and-moratinos-icesave-has-no-impact-on-eus-treatment-of-application/|title=Skarphedinsson and Moratinos: Icesave has no impact on EU's treatment of application|publisher=Icenews.is|date=9 January 2010|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324111523/http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2010/01/09/skarphedinsson-and-moratinos-icesave-has-no-impact-on-eus-treatment-of-application/|archive-date=24 March 2012}} David Miliband, then British Foreign Minister, reaffirmed the UK's continued support for Iceland's EU application. Additionally, the Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has stated that while the opening of negotiations will not be blocked by the Icesave dispute, it must be resolved before Iceland's accession.{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/dutch-vow-not-block-iceland-s-eu-talks-news-358341|title=Dutch vow not to block Iceland's EU talks|publisher=EurActiv|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609124614/http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/dutch-vow-not-block-iceland-s-eu-talks-news-358341|archive-date=9 June 2011}}

In February 2010, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy recommended to the Council of the European Union to start accession negotiations with Iceland.[http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/press_corner/key-documents/opinion-iceland_2010_en.htm Commission Opinion on Iceland's application for membership of the European Union] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101042930/http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/press_corner/key-documents/opinion-iceland_2010_en.htm |date=1 January 2012}} While it was expected that Iceland would be considered for official candidate status at the EU summit in March, this was delayed to allow the German national parliament, which has the authority to debate important EU policy such as enlargement before action is taken by the government, to consider the matter.{{cite web|url=http://www.theparliament.com/no_cache/latestnews/news-article/newsarticle/lisbon-treaty-delays-iceland-eu-bid/|title=Lisbon treaty 'delays' Iceland EU bid|publisher=theparliament.com|date=18 March 2010|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220141842/http://www.theparliament.com/no_cache/latestnews/news-article/newsarticle/lisbon-treaty-delays-iceland-eu-bid/|archive-date=20 February 2012}} The German Parliament voted in favour of opening membership negotiations on 22 April 2010.{{cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=361331|title=German Parliament Greenlights Iceland-EU Talks – Iceland Review Online|publisher=Icelandreview.com|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229182415/http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=361331|archive-date=29 February 2012}} The European Council decided in June to begin negotiations,{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/759&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |title=Commission welcomes European Council's decision to open accession negotiations with Iceland |publisher=Europa.eu |date=17 June 2010 |access-date=18 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810125650/http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP%2F10%2F759&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |archive-date=10 August 2011 |url-status=dead}} and on 17 June 2010, the EU granted official candidate status to Iceland by formally approving the opening of membership talks.[http://article.wn.com/view/2010/06/17/EU_summit_approves_membership_talks_for_Iceland_1st_Lead/ U summit approves membership talks for Iceland]; World News; 17 June 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218132421/http://article.wn.com/view/2010/06/17/EU_summit_approves_membership_talks_for_Iceland_1st_Lead/ |date=18 December 2013}}

Negotiations for membership of the EU started on 27 July 2010,{{cite web|last=Mahony|first=Honor|url=http://euobserver.com/9/30539|title=/ Headline News / Iceland membership talks formally begin Tuesday|date=26 July 2010 |publisher=Euobserver.com|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921131414/http://euobserver.com/9/30539|archive-date=21 September 2011}} with screening of specific acquis chapters beginning on 15 November 2010.{{cite web|url=http://europe.mfa.is/sidemenu/latest-news/nr/6052|title=Facts on Iceland | Latest News|publisher=Europe|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321091901/http://europe.mfa.is/sidemenu/latest-news/nr/6052|archive-date=21 March 2012}} Iceland became eligible for pre-accession funding from the EU through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) since July 2010.[http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/943&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en EC press release], 14 July 2010 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824024319/http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP%2F10%2F943&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |date=24 August 2010}}

The first annual report on negotiations was published in November 2010:[http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2010/package/is_rapport_2010_en.pdf European Commission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404164909/http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2010/package/is_rapport_2010_en.pdf |date=4 April 2016}}, ICELAND 2010 PROGRESS REPORT the main issues at stake remained the fisheries sector and whale hunting, while progress has been made concerning the Icesave dispute.[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20110318IPR15863/html/MEPs-welcome-Iceland%27s-progress-towards-EU-membership European Parliament], MEPs welcome Iceland's progress towards EU membership, 22 March 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221070839/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20110318IPR15863/html/MEPs-welcome-Iceland%27s-progress-towards-EU-membership |date=21 December 2013}}

The screening process ended and formal negotiations began on 27 June 2011. Four chapters were opened: science and research; education and culture; public procurement; information society and media. The first two were immediately closed, a first in accession history. Iceland aimed to open half of the remaining chapters under the Polish presidency (the second half of 2011) and the other half under the following Danish presidency (first half of 2012). Despite disputes over Icesave and fishing, and the fact there was then no majority in favour of membership in Iceland, Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphéðinsson was confident Iceland would join and looked to the EU's flexibility in negotiations with Norway during the 1990s as hope. He did however claim that ultimately it was the major fishing countries of the EU who would influence the outcome of the application.{{cite web|last=Willis|first=Andrew|url=http://euobserver.com/9/32555|title=Iceland: membership depends on EU fishery 'superpowers'|publisher=Euobserver.com|date=27 June 2011|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701233814/http://euobserver.com/9/32555|archive-date=1 July 2011}}

In February 2013, the Icelandic chief negotiator stated that the main driving force for Iceland joining the EU was the benefit to the country of adopting the euro to replace the inflation-plagued Icelandic króna. Iceland's HICP inflation and related long-term government interest rates were both recorded to be around 6 per cent on average for 2012. Most importantly, however, while the country retained the Icelandic kronur, it was unable to lift the capital controls recently introduced in the turmoil of the economic crisis. Introduction of the euro, a far stronger currency, would allow the country to lift these capital controls and achieve an increased inward flow of foreign economic capital, which ultimately would ensure higher and more stable economic growth. To be eligible to adopt the euro, Iceland would need to join the EU, as unilateral euro adoption had previously been refused by the EU.{{cite web|url=http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29269/icelands-eu-negotiations-continue-to-advance-exclusive-from-the-lithuania-tribune-201329269/|title=Iceland's EU negotiations continue to advance (article)|publisher=Lithuania Tribune|date=12 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622010647/http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29269/icelands-eu-negotiations-continue-to-advance-exclusive-from-the-lithuania-tribune-201329269/|archive-date=22 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29455/icelands-eu-negotiations-continue-to-advance-exclusive-from-the-lithuania-tribune-2-201329455/|title=Iceland's EU negotiations continue to advance (video interview: part 1)|publisher=Lithuania Tribune|date=14 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218032932/http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29455/icelands-eu-negotiations-continue-to-advance-exclusive-from-the-lithuania-tribune-2-201329455/|archive-date=18 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29457/theres-a-majority-against-membership-icelands-chief-eu-accession-negotiator-201329457/|title=Iceland's EU negotiations continue to advance (video interview: part 2)|publisher=Lithuania Tribune|date=15 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218021133/http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29457/theres-a-majority-against-membership-icelands-chief-eu-accession-negotiator-201329457/|archive-date=18 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29581/icelands-chief-eu-accession-negotiator-part-3-201329581/|title=Iceland's EU negotiations continue to advance (video interview: part 3)|publisher=Lithuania Tribune|date=16 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218032946/http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/29581/icelands-chief-eu-accession-negotiator-part-3-201329581/|archive-date=18 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}

The Icelandic Parliamentary committee on foreign affairs tabled a proposal on 18 December 2012 to suspend accession negotiations. The motion also called for an "application referendum" to be held to determine the will of the Icelandic people prior to any resumption of negotiations.{{cite web|url=http://www.althingi.is/dba-bin/Aferill.pl?ltg=141&mnr=96|title=Withdrawal of the application of Iceland for EU membership (96th measure proposed parliamentary resolution, 141st legislative session 2012-2013)|language=is|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020224509/http://www.althingi.is/dba-bin/Aferill.pl?ltg=141&mnr=96|archive-date=20 October 2013}} A similar proposal was submitted to the Icelandic parliament in May 2012, but was rejected by a vote of 25 for and 34 against.{{cite web|url=http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Referendum_to_Be_Held_on_Icelandic_Constitution_0_390328.news.aspx|title=Referendum to Be Held on Icelandic Constitution|publisher=Icelandreview.com|date=25 May 2012|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030003740/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Referendum_to_Be_Held_on_Icelandic_Constitution_0_390328.news.aspx|archive-date=30 October 2013}} The Icelandic parliament had yet to vote on the new proposal, which were supported primarily at the time by the opposition Independence Party and Progressive Party.[http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2012/12/18/vidraedurnar_verdi_settar_a_is/ Viðræðurnar við ESB verði settar á ís] MBL.is {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926010958/http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2012/12/18/vidraedurnar_verdi_settar_a_is/ |date=26 September 2013}} The leaders of both governing parties, the Social Democratic Alliance and Left-Green Movement, stated that they did not support the motion.{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/enlargement/117227|title=EU bid causes tension in Iceland government|publisher=EUobserver|date=14 August 2012|access-date=27 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617234449/http://euobserver.com/enlargement/117227|archive-date=17 June 2013}} However, some MPs from the Left-Green Movement declared their support for the measure.{{cite web|author=Hallur Már Hallsson|url=http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2012/12/18/omogulegt_ad_kjosa_med_malid_opid/|title=Ómögulegt að kjósa með málið opið|publisher=mbl.is|date=18 December 2012|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220105004/http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2012/12/18/omogulegt_ad_kjosa_med_malid_opid/|archive-date=20 December 2012}} On 10 January 2013, the proposal was formally adopted by the Foreign Affairs committee.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/01/10/tillaga_um_esb_hle_logd_fram/|title=Proposed EU pause submitted|language=is|publisher=MBL.is|date=10 January 2013|access-date=12 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219031916/http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/01/10/tillaga_um_esb_hle_logd_fram/|archive-date=19 February 2013}}

On 14 January, the Icelandic government announced that negotiations would be slowed, and that an accession agreement would not be reached before the parliamentary election in April.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-26/iceland-won-t-finish-eu-talks-before-next-parliament-elections |title=Iceland Won't Finish EU Talks Before Next Parliament Elections |publisher=Businessweek |date=26 March 2012 |access-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118182456/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-26/iceland-won-t-finish-eu-talks-before-next-parliament-elections |archive-date=18 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy}} No new chapters would be opened prior to the election, though negotiations would continue on chapters that had already been opened.{{cite web|url=http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/BREAKING_NEWS_Iceland_to_Slow_Down_EU_Talks_0_396859.news.aspx|title=BREAKING NEWS: Iceland to Slow Down EU Talks|date=14 January 2013|access-date=14 January 2013|publisher=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024003411/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/BREAKING_NEWS_Iceland_to_Slow_Down_EU_Talks_0_396859.news.aspx|archive-date=24 October 2013}} In February 2013, the national congress of both the Independence Party and Progressive Party reconfirmed their policy that further membership negotiations with the EU should be stopped and not resumed unless they are first approved by a national referendum,{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/02/09/islandi_best_borgid_utan_esb/|title=Icelandic interests best served outside EU|language=is|publisher=Mbl.is|date=9 February 2013|access-date=9 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926010954/http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/02/09/islandi_best_borgid_utan_esb/|archive-date=26 September 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/02/23/betur_borgid_utan_esb/|title=Better off outside EU|language=is|publisher=Mbl.is|date=23 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926011006/http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/02/23/betur_borgid_utan_esb/|archive-date=26 September 2013}} while the national congresses of the Social Democratic Alliance, Bright Future and Left-Green Movement reiterated their support for the completion of EU accession negotiations.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/02/25/esb_alyktanir_hvor_i_sina_attina/|title=EU Resolutions at main parties national congresses point each in different directions|language=is|publisher=Mbl.is|date=25 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926011011/http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2013/02/25/esb_alyktanir_hvor_i_sina_attina/|archive-date=26 September 2013}}

On 19 March 2013, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, an Independence Party MP, put forward a motion in the Althing calling for a referendum asking the Icelandic public whether EU accession negotiations should continue. She proposed that the referendum be held during the upcoming parliamentary election in April if possible, or else during local elections in the spring of 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.evropuvaktin.is/frettir/27719/|title=Þorgerður Katrín vill þjóðaratkvæðagreiðslu um ESB-aðildarviðræður samhliða þingkosningum 27.|date=19 March 2013|access-date=26 March 2013|archive-date=24 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524030616/http://www.evropuvaktin.is/frettir/27719/|url-status=live}} In response to Gunnarsdóttir and other proponents of EU integration within the Independence Party, Bjarni Benediktsson, the leader of the party, reiterated the party's policy of stopping negotiations with the EU, but promised to hold a referendum on continuing the negotiations in the first half of their term if they form government.{{cite web|url=http://eyjan.pressan.is/frettir/2013/03/24/bjarni-opnar-a-evropumalin/|title=Bjarni opnar á Evrópumálin: Skattaleiðin hefur hvergi nokkurstaðar, aldrei nokkurn tímann verið leiðin útúr kreppu|date=24 March 2013|access-date=26 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530204326/http://eyjan.pressan.is/frettir/2013/03/24/bjarni-opnar-a-evropumalin/|archive-date=30 May 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ruv.is/frett/utilokar-ekki-tillogu-thorgerdar|title=Útilokar ekki tillögu Þorgerðar|date=23 March 2013|access-date=28 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002015002/http://www.ruv.is/frett/utilokar-ekki-tillogu-thorgerdar|archive-date=2 October 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://eyjan.pressan.is/frettir/2013/03/25/thetta-sidasta-flipp-flopp-breytir-engu-um-ad-landsfundur-flokksins-lokadi-ollum-dyrum-til-evropu/|title=Þetta síðasta flipp-flopp breytir engu um að landsfundur flokksins lokaði öllum dyrum til Evrópu|date=25 March 2013|access-date=28 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529052621/http://eyjan.pressan.is/frettir/2013/03/25/thetta-sidasta-flipp-flopp-breytir-engu-um-ad-landsfundur-flokksins-lokadi-ollum-dyrum-til-evropu/|archive-date=29 May 2013}}

The ruling left-wing parties suffered a major defeat in the parliamentary elections that were held on 27 April 2013, while the centrist Progressive Party had a large victory. The leaders of the Progressive Party and the Independence Party began negotiating the formation of a coalition government, and on 22 May it was announced that a coalition platform had been agreed to that would suspend all accession talks with the EU and not resume them unless approved by a referendum.{{cite news|title=Stjórnarsáttmáli kynntur á Laugarvatni|url=http://ruv.is/frett/stjornarsattmali-kynntur-a-laugarvatni|access-date=22 May 2013|date=22 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111184157/http://ruv.is/frett/stjornarsattmali-kynntur-a-laugarvatni|archive-date=11 November 2013}} However, under Icelandic law, it is not the Government but the Icelandic Parliament which decides to end negotiations.{{cite news|title=Ríkisstjórnin getur ekki slitið aðildarviðræðum við ESB|url=http://www.pressan.is/pressupennar/Lesa_Svein_Andra/rikisstjornin-getur-ekki-slitid-adildarvidraedum-vid-esb|access-date=14 June 2013|date=12 June 2013|language=is|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117205359/http://www.pressan.is/pressupennar/Lesa_Svein_Andra/rikisstjornin-getur-ekki-slitid-adildarvidraedum-vid-esb|archive-date=17 January 2014}} On 13 June, Iceland's Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson informed the European Commission that the newly elected government intended to "put negotiations on hold".{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/political/120501|title=Iceland's EU bid is over, commission told|last=Fox|first=Benjamin|publisher=Reuters|date=16 June 2013|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326004934/http://euobserver.com/political/120501|archive-date=26 March 2014}} European Commission President Manuel Barroso responded on 16 July 2013 by requesting that the new Icelandic Prime Minister make a decision on the continuation of their accession bid "without further delay", and stressed that the EU remained "committed to continue the accession negotiations process, which I'm certain could address Iceland's specificities".{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/barroso-tells-iceland-decide-fas-news-529332|title=Barroso tells Iceland to make up its mind on joining the EU|date=17 July 2013|access-date=19 July 2013|publisher=EurActiv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721162627/http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/barroso-tells-iceland-decide-fas-news-529332|archive-date=2013-07-21}}

In August 2013 the Icelandic government revealed that it had received a legal opinion that the 2009 Parliamentary vote did not oblige it to continue accession negotiations with the EU. In light of this, the Foreign Ministry stated that it had "decided to consider dissolving the negotiation committee".{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/node/529927|title=L'Islande s'éloigne de son projet d'adhésion à l'UE|date=23 August 2013|access-date=26 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017112534/http://www.euractiv.com/node/529927|archive-date=17 October 2013}} A few weeks later the committee was officially dissolved. Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson said that "the process has been suspended. But nothing has been closed down."{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/enlargement/121419|title=Iceland dissolves EU accession team|date=13 September 2013|access-date=26 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326073329/http://euobserver.com/enlargement/121419|archive-date=26 March 2014}} In October 2013 Benediktsson stated that no decision on ending Iceland's membership bid would be made until a report being prepared by the government on negotiations and "the recent changes within the union" was completed, expected to be by the end of 2013. Benediktsson went on to say that "we will see if a proposal will be put before the parliament or not."{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-10-16/iceland-reconsiders-eu-snub-as-government-awaits-report-findings|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131017095716/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-10-16/iceland-reconsiders-eu-snub-as-government-awaits-report-findings|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2013|title=Iceland Reconsiders EU Snub as Government Awaits Report Findings|last1=Valdimarsson|first1=Omar|last2=Christie|first2=Rebecca|date=16 October 2013|access-date=16 October 2013|publisher=Bloomberg News}} On 12 March 2015, Foreign Minister of Iceland Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson stated that he had sent a letter to the EU withdrawing the application for membership, without the approval of the Althing, though the European Union stated that Iceland had not formally withdrawn the application.{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/video/player.cfm?ref=I100361&sitelang=en&videolang=en|title=LIVE EC Midday press briefing of 13/03/2015|date=2015-03-13|access-date=2015-03-13|publisher=European Commission|archive-date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808234003/http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/video/player.cfm?ref=I100361&sitelang=en&videolang=en|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Iceland's newly elected government announced that it would hold a vote in parliament on whether to hold a referendum on resuming EU membership negotiations.{{cite news|last=Lawless|first=Jill|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/26726ee0e2a34767b74c082801e8b3e0/iceland-gets-new-government-could-restart-eu-entry-talks|title=Iceland gets new govt, could restart talks on entering EU|date=2017-03-07|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2017-03-19|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112184259/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/26726ee0e2a34767b74c082801e8b3e0/iceland-gets-new-government-could-restart-eu-entry-talks|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iceland-government-idUSKBN14U1TC?il=0|title=New Icelandic center-right coalition to give parliament vote on EU referendum|date=2017-01-11|access-date=2017-03-28|publisher=Reuters|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216024229/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iceland-government-idUSKBN14U1TC?il=0|url-status=live}} However, in November 2017 that government was replaced by a coalition of the Independence Party, the Left Green Movement and the Progressive Party; all of whom oppose membership. Only 11 out of 63 MPs are in favour of EU membership.[https://euobserver.com/opinion/140228 Iceland: further from EU membership than ever] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215031931/https://euobserver.com/opinion/140228 |date=15 February 2020}}, euobserver 11 December 2017

There was a renewed call in 2022 for a referendum on resuming EU membership negotiations.{{cite news |first=Larissa |last=Kyzer |url=https://www.icelandreview.com/politics/parliamentary-resolution-reignites-eu-membership-debate/ |title=Parliamentary Resolution Reignites EU Membership Debate |work=Iceland Review |date=18 September 2022 |access-date=16 October 2022 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016230628/https://www.icelandreview.com/politics/parliamentary-resolution-reignites-eu-membership-debate/ |url-status=live}}.

Following the 2024 Icelandic parliamentary election, the Social Democratic Alliance, Viðreisn, and People's Party formed a new coalition government, which agreed to hold a referendum on resuming negotiations on EU membership by 2027.{{cite web|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/politics/2024/12/21/icelands-social-democrats-reach-deal-for-coalition-government/|title=Iceland's Social Democrats Reach Deal for New Government|date=2024-12-21|accessdate=2024-12-21|publisher=BNN Bloomberg}}

EU affiliation ahead of membership application

• 1970-01-01: Iceland joins EFTA.
• 1992-05-02: Iceland signs EU Association Agreement (entering the EEA).
• 1994-01-01: EU Association Agreement entry into force.
• 2001-03-25: Iceland joins the Schengen Area.

EU membership application and the preparational phase

• 2009-07-17: Iceland submits EU membership application.{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/enlargement/iceland|title=Policies > Enlargement > Iceland|publisher=Council of the EU|access-date=27 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615070004/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/enlargement/iceland|archive-date=15 June 2013}}
• 2009-09-08: European Commission presents legislative questionnaire to Iceland.
• 2009-10-22: Iceland responds to questionnaire.
• 2010-02-24: European Commission recommended that the Council open accession negotiations with Iceland.
• 2010-06-17: Iceland officially recognised as an accession candidate by the European Council.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}
• 2010-07-26: The Council approved the framework for accession negotiations with Iceland.
• 2010-07-27: Preparational phase of the membership negotiation process starts (Accession Conference nr.1).
• 2010-11-15: Screening process started.
• 2011-06-21: Screening process ended.[http://europe.mfa.is/sidemenu/latest-news/nr/6346 Screening process concluded] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321093239/http://europe.mfa.is/sidemenu/latest-news/nr/6346 |date=21 March 2012}}

EU membership negotiations

• 2011-06-27: Accession Conference nr.2. Real negotiations started with the first four chapters being opened, of which two were completed and closed on the same day.{{cite web|last=Vogel|first=Toby|url=http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/june/iceland-begins-talks-to-join-eu/71466.aspx|title=Iceland begins talks to join EU|publisher=Europeanvoice.com|date=27 June 2011|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902082959/http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/june/iceland-begins-talks-to-join-eu/71466.aspx|archive-date=2 September 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/123123.pdf|title=Second meeting of the Accession Conference with Iceland at Ministerial level (27 June 2011)|date=27 June 2011|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-date=7 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107042753/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/123123.pdf|url-status=live}}
• 2011-10-19: Accession Conference nr.3. Two chapters were opened and closed immediately. In total 6 out of 33 chapters have now been opened (of which 4 have been closed).{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/125356.pdf|title=First meeting of the Accession Conference with Iceland at Deputy level (19 October 2011)|date=19 October 2011|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-date=7 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107042920/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/125356.pdf|url-status=live}}
• 2011-12-12: Accession Conference nr.4. Five chapters were opened, four were closed immediately. In total 11 out of 33 chapters have now been opened (of which 8 have been closed).{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/126778.pdf|title=Third meeting of the Accession Conference with Iceland at Ministerial level (12 December 2011)|date=12 December 2011|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407065926/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/126778.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2013}}
• 2012-03-30: Accession Conference nr.5. Four chapters were opened and two chapters were closed. In total 15 out of 33 chapters have now been opened (of which 10 have been closed).{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/129376.pdf|title=Second meeting of the Accession Conference with Iceland at Deputy level (30 March 2012)|date=30 March 2012|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920004245/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/129376.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2012}}
• 2012-05-24: Proposal for a national referendum on discontinuing accession talks with the European Union rejected with 34 votes against and 25 in favour.
• 2012-06-22: Accession Conference nr.6. Three new chapters opened. In total 18 out of 33 chapters have now been opened (of which 10 have been closed).{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/131119.pdf|title=Accession Conference with Iceland: three new chapters opened, progress confirmed (22 June 2012)|date=22 June 2012|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407065935/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/131119.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2013}}
• 2012-10-24: Accession Conference nr.7. Three new chapters opened. In total 21 out of 33 chapters have now been opened (of which 10 have been closed).{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/133154.pdf|title=Third meeting of the Accession Conference with Iceland at deputy level (24 October 2012)|date=24 October 2012|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-date=30 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030182420/http://www.consilium.europa.eu//uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/133154.pdf|url-status=live}}
• 2012-12-18: Accession Conference nr.8. Six new chapters opened and one more chapter closed. In total 27 out of 33 chapters have now been opened (of which 11 have been closed).{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/134419.pdf|title=Fifth meeting of the Accession Conference with Iceland at Ministerial level - Six new chapters opened, one more chapter provisionally closed, substantial progress achieved (18 December 2012)|date=18 December 2012|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003094852/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/134419.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2013}}

• [http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/enlargement_process/accession_process/how_does_a_country_join_the_eu/negotiations_croatia_turkey/index_en.htm A document explaining the general process and each chapter]
• Situation of policy area at the start of membership negotiations is according to the [http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2010/is_opinion_en.pdf 2010 EC Opinion].
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101214114849/http://europe.mfa.is/media/screening/Timetable-screening-FINAL-birting.pdf Timetable for screening meetings 2010–2011]

The screening is a series of meetings between the commission and the applicant country examining the level of fulfilment of the EU acquis. It allows candidate countries to familiarise themselves with the acquis and it allows the commission and the member States to evaluate the degree of preparedness of candidate countries prior to negotiations.

{{update|section|date=November 2023}}

A poll released in January 2014 found that 67.5% of Icelanders support holding a referendum on the continuation of accession negotiations.{{cite web|url=http://www.grapevine.is/Home/ReadArticle/Most-Icelanders-Want-Vote-On-Finishing-EU-Talks|title=Most Icelanders Want Vote On Finishing EU Talks|date=31 January 2014|access-date=22 February 2014|first=Paul|last=Fontaine|newspaper=The Reykjavík Grapevine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204060040/http://grapevine.is/Home/ReadArticle/Most-Icelanders-Want-Vote-On-Finishing-EU-Talks|archive-date=4 February 2014}} On 22 February, the governing parties agreed to formally withdraw the membership application, without first holding a referendum on the matter, and submitted a bill to parliament seeking their approval to do so.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/iceland-moves-to-withdraw-eu-application/article5717175.ece|title=Iceland moves to withdraw EU application|date=22 February 2014|access-date=22 February 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303193425/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/iceland-moves-to-withdraw-eu-application/article5717175.ece|archive-date=3 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.icenews.is/2014/02/26/iceland-to-withdraw-eu-membership-bid-amid-protests/|title=Iceland to withdraw EU membership bid amid protests|date=26 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|publisher=IceNews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309074923/http://www.icenews.is/2014/02/26/iceland-to-withdraw-eu-membership-bid-amid-protests/|archive-date=9 March 2014}} The decision led to thousands of protesters taking to the streets outside of the Parliament buildings in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/25/three-thousand-protest-outside-parliament|title=Three Thousand Protest outside Parliament|last=Robert|first=Zoë|date=25 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|newspaper=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305061837/http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/25/three-thousand-protest-outside-parliament|archive-date=5 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/24/icelanders-protest-governments-plans-stop-eu-talks|title=Icelanders Protest Government's Plans to Stop EU Talks|last=Robert|first=Zoë|date=24 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|newspaper=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305062027/http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/24/icelanders-protest-governments-plans-stop-eu-talks|archive-date=5 March 2014}} By 28 February 82% were in favour of holding the referendum.{{cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/28/eighty-two-percent-want-eu-referendum|title=Eighty-Two Percent Want EU Referendum|last=Robert|first=Zoë|date=28 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|newspaper=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305055942/http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/28/eighty-two-percent-want-eu-referendum|archive-date=5 March 2014}} More than 40,000 people (16.5% of Iceland's voters) have signed a petition demanding that the promised referendum be held.{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/05225136-9fbd-11e3-b6c7-00144feab7de.html#axzz2ukmDhmjz|title=Thousands demand EU referendum in Iceland|first=Richard|last=Milne|date=27 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|newspaper=Financial Times|archive-date=14 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314031331/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/05225136-9fbd-11e3-b6c7-00144feab7de.html#axzz2ukmDhmjz|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/28/forty-thousand-sign-eu-referendum-petition|title=Forty Thousand Sign EU Referendum Petition|last=Robert|first=Zoë|date=28 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|newspaper=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305061858/http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/28/forty-thousand-sign-eu-referendum-petition|archive-date=5 March 2014}} On 25 February, Ragnheiður Ríkharðsdóttir, chairman of the parliamentary group of the Independence Party, announced her intention not to vote in favour of the proposal.{{cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/26/ten-percent-icelanders-sign-eu-referendum-petition|title=Ten Percent of Icelanders Sign EU Referendum Petition|date=26 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|last=Stefánsson|first=Páll|newspaper=Iceland Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305061002/http://icelandreview.com/news/2014/02/26/ten-percent-icelanders-sign-eu-referendum-petition|archive-date=5 March 2014}} In early March, the EU ambassador to Iceland said that the country could keep its application suspended rather than having to decide between resuming negotiations or formally withdrawing the application, "but of course not for an unlimited period of time".{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/03/06/08/06/iceland-can-wait-and-see-on-eu-membership|title=Iceland can wait and see on EU membership|date=6 March 2014|access-date=9 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310000626/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/03/06/08/06/iceland-can-wait-and-see-on-eu-membership|archive-date=10 March 2014}} The bill was not approved before parliament's summer recess.{{cite news|url=http://www.euractiv.com/sections/enlargement/iceland-postpones-withdrawal-eu-application-302077|title=Iceland postpones withdrawal of EU application|date=2014-05-13|access-date=2014-05-27|publisher=EurActiv|archive-date=18 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518055242/http://www.euractiv.com/sections/enlargement/iceland-postpones-withdrawal-eu-application-302077|url-status=live}}

Various polls have been taken on the public opinion of starting accession negotiations, joining the EU or adopting the euro.

If Iceland were admitted to the EU, it would be the smallest member state in terms of population. Its area (103,000 km²) is somewhat close to the average for EU countries (165,048 km²), but it would be the least densely populated country in the EU. The table below shows its population and population density in comparison to some of the other member states.{{Cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tps00001&plugin=1|title=Eurostat - Tables, Graphs and Maps Interface (TGM) table|website=ec.europa.eu|access-date=2016-09-26|archive-date=5 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105081956/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tps00001&plugin=1|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-115323_QID_1F89622D_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INDICATORS,C,Z,0;&zSelection=DS-115323INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;&rankName1=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName2=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName3=GEO_1_2_0_1&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=ROLLING&time_most_recent=false&lang=EN&cfo=%23%23%23%2C%23%23%23.%23%23%23|title=Eurostat - Data Explorer|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513223954/https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-115323_QID_1F89622D_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INDICATORS,C,Z,0;&zSelection=DS-115323INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;&rankName1=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName2=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName3=GEO_1_2_0_1&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=ROLLING&time_most_recent=false&lang=EN&cfo=|url-status=live}}

Iceland's GDP per capita is among the highest in Europe as is shown in the following tables:{{cite web|title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2022|url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2022/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2022&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1|date=19 April 2022|website=IMF.org|publisher=International Monetary Fund|access-date=20 April 2022|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422000313/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2022/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2022&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1|url-status=live}}

The Icelandic language would be one of the official languages of the EU with the least speakers in terms of native speakers (together with Irish and Maltese).

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• Foreign relations of the European Union
• Foreign relations of Iceland
• Icelandic European Union membership referendum
• Greenland–European Union relations
• Future enlargement of the European Union
• Liechtenstein–European Union relations
• Norway–European Union relations
• Faroe Islands and the European Union
• United Kingdom–European Union relations
• Arctic policy of the European Union
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{{Portal|European Union|Iceland|Europe}}

• Baldur Thorhallsson. 2019. "[https://oxfordre.com/politics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228637-e-1035 Iceland and European Integration]." in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics.

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

; Official websites

• [http://eu.mfa.is/ Iceland's application to the EU], Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20180225093058/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/be/mission-to-the-eu Icelandic mission to the EU], Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs
• [http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iceland/index_en.htm European Union – Iceland relations], European External Action Service
• [http://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/iceland/index_en.htm European Union delegation to Iceland], European External Action Service
• [http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/iceland/ European Union – Icelandic trade relations], European Commission

; News Portal

• [http://www.mbl.is/frettir/knippi/2938/ All related news on the Icelandic negotiations for EU membership] {{in lang|is}}, MBL

; Lobbyist organisations

• [http://www.europabevegelsen.no/Temasider/Island Iceland's EU Debate] {{in lang|no}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070607180520/http://www.evropa.is/ Evrópusamtökin, cross-political organisation of Icelandic EU supporters] {{in lang|is}}
• [http://www.evropa.blog.is/ Evrópusamtökin, Euroblog] {{in lang|is}}
• [http://www.heimssyn.is Heimssýn, the cross-political organisation of Icelandic eurosceptics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403084022/http://www.heimssyn.is/ |date=3 April 2007 }} {{in lang|is}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090421060402/http://www.sammala.is/ Icelandic Pro-EU membership website] {{in lang|is}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090426065708/http://www.osammala.is/ Icelandic Anti-EU Membership] {{in lang|is}}
• [http://www.jaisland.is/ Yes-movement of Icelandic EU supporters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425083604/http://www.jaisland.is/ |date=25 April 2011}} {{in lang|is}}

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