Iceland's PM: EU accession talks will prioritize agriculture and national interests

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has declared that any future negotiations regarding European Union membership would place a strong emphasis on safeguarding the nation's agricultural sector and its sovereign rights over its fish resources. Speaking at a public forum in Reykjavík, Frostadóttir addressed citizens ahead of a referendum on whether to reopen accession talks with the EU.

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It will be an unwavering demand to secure the nation's interests as the owner of the fish in the country should accession talks with the European Union commence.

"It will be an unwavering demand to secure the nation's interests as the owner of the fish in the country should accession talks with the European Union commence," Frostadóttir stated. She further elaborated that a primary objective would be "to ensure that an acceptable outcome is reached for Icelandic agriculture" in any potential discussions.

Frostadóttir acknowledged the concerns of many Icelanders regarding the economic implications of EU membership. She addressed questions about whether joining the EU could lead to lower interest rates and increased competition for smaller businesses. "Can it be that the best way for Iceland to increase productivity and economic growth is precisely to deepen this trade relationship we have with one of the largest economic blocs in the world?" she posed to the audience.

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It will be a priority to ensure that an acceptable outcome is reached for Icelandic agriculture.

Responding affirmatively, she added, "And I believe the answers to all these questions are clear: yes, we can shake up the system, open up the business world, increase competition. Yes, we can contribute to lower prices, lower interest rates, and greater stability. Yes, we can, but for that, it requires courage and the will to negotiate together for Iceland."

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Can it be that the best way for Iceland to increase productivity and economic growth is precisely to deepen this trade relationship we have with one of the largest economic blocs in the world?

The Prime Minister also touched upon the concept of national sovereignty, referencing the first President of Iceland, Sveinn Björnsson. She argued that sovereignty is not diminished by entering into international agreements for the betterment of the nation's economy, stating, "Even though a fully capable person entrusts others with a mandate for something, they still remain fully capable." She concluded that Iceland would remain a free and sovereign state even if it undertook international obligations to improve its own situation.

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Yes, we can shake up the system, open up the business world, increase competition. Yes, we can contribute to lower prices, lower interest rates, and greater stability. Yes, we can, but for that, it requires courage and the will to negotiate together for Iceland.