EU responds to Iceland withdrawal

Photo: AFP

The European Union (EU) has responded formally to Iceland’s recent letter stating the government’s intention not to continue accession negotiations and asking for Iceland to be removed from the EU’s list of candidate countries.

The response leaves some room for interpretation and full clarity on the issue is still elusive.

Agreed EU response

The relevant EU working party has agreed for a letter to be sent by the Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs to Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, in reply to the Icelandic letter of 12 March. Latvia currently holds the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council.

Controversial government move

The decision of the Icelandic government to issue its unilateral declaration without consulting the Icelandic Parliament (‘Alþingi’) has proven controversial. Several demonstrations were organised by those interpreting the move as bypassing the usual democratic avenues appropriate to such a decision. A recent opinion poll shows that 65% of Icelanders want the continuation or halting of EU negotiations to be put to referendum.

Vague response?

The agreed-upon EU text is fairly non-committal. “We have carefully considered the letter and we take note of your government’s position,” reads Rinkēvičs’ reply to Sveinsson. “In the light of your letter we will consider certain further practical adjustments to the EU Council working procedures.” The full text of the approved EU response can be found here.

No details are forthcoming as to the nature of such adjustments or whether ‘taking note’ of the Icelandic government’s position actually involves removing Iceland from the list of EU candidate countries.

Edgars Rinkevics, Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Edgars Rinkevics, Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Photo: Wikipedia

The European Commission’s Directorate-General dealing with EU enlargement has declined to comment on the issue.

Minister confident

In an interview with mbl.is, however, Sveinsson expressed his satisfaction at these latest developments, putting a positive spin on the text.

“In my view, the only possible interpretation is that they [the EU] intend to comply with our wishes,” states Sveinsson. “I consider this to be confirmation that Iceland is no longer seen as a candidate country. To my mind, the case is now closed. All that remains is for the EU to implement the decision and remove Iceland from the list of EU candidate countries. We will of course be monitoring developments closely.”

Related article:

65% want EU referendum

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