"Iceland will be granted exemptions"

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir have discussed proposed EU legislation on aviation emission allowances and their impact on Icelandic airlines. At their joint press conference today, it was stated that Icelandic geographical conditions will be taken into account and that Iceland will be granted exemptions.

The meeting between von der Leyen and Jakobsdóttir in the Ministerial Building just ended. 

Article on Iceland Monitor

Fighting to get Iceland's unique geographical position taken into account

Speaking on the subject, von der Leyen stated that the EU showed Icelanders understanding on the matter and that a common solution had been found, but also stated that the matter was still under discussion and should be further examined. It was, however, stated that Iceland will receive, in 2025 and 2026, increased powers to emit carbon dioxide in aviation.

Jakobsdóttir made a similar point, saying that the matter should be discussed further within the government and the parliament, but it is clear that a joint decision had been made, taking Iceland's unique conditions into account. Jakobsdóttir pointed out, among other things, that von der Leyen had come to Iceland by air.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, told mbl.is in March that the proposed EU legislation on aviation allowances was Iceland’s biggest interest since the EEA Agreement’s incorporation. The Foreign Service had embarked on an unprecedented effort to try to influence EU legislation to get Iceland's point across.

Ursula von der Leyen arriving to the meeting with Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir. mbl.is/Arnþór