Iceland's EU debate: National hospital woes and bureaucracy concerns

A recent discussion in Iceland's Dagmálaþáttur program highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding potential EU membership, pitting proponents against opponents.

Snærós Sindradóttir, executive director of the European Movement in Iceland, argued that joining the EU could significantly speed up Iceland's progress. She pointed to domestic challenges such as the slow construction of the new National University Hospital, citing issues like the forgotten helipad and lengthy planning processes. Sindradóttir suggested that EU membership could provide access to a disaster relief fund, helping the country manage natural catastrophes without solely relying on loans. She even mused about potential EU assistance in ambitious infrastructure projects like tunnels to the Westman Islands.

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We are struggling to build a new National Hospital, it's probably in the wrong place, they forgot to plan for a helipad, there are all sorts of problems, one after another. It took an incredibly long time to get to the point of building it. At the same time, we have largely been at a standstill in transportation matters.

Kristján Ingi Mikaelsson, an investor, strongly disagreed, viewing Sindradóttir's arguments as emotional rather than practical. He contended that adding another layer of bureaucracy above Iceland's parliament and administration would not expedite projects like hospital construction, new theaters, or road repairs. Mikaelsson asserted that efficiency is gained when power remains closer to the people, and that increased EU regulation would likely hinder, not help, such endeavors. The debate also touched upon Iceland's foreign exchange reserves and the potential for increased financial contributions from the EU.

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When one runs out of arguments, one has to talk about issues with emotional undertones. It is possible to talk about eight different policy areas and say how poorly we are doing and try to convince the nation that more bureaucracy, not less, would help. She is arguing that we should put another layer above Althingi, another layer above the administration, and that this will help us build a new National Hospital faster, build a new National Theater or roads or fix potholes. That's just not how it works.