Business representatives and former ministers from most political parties were among those who met at Hotel Hilton Nordica in Reykjavík yesterday. Attendees are all advocates for Iceland joining the European Union and at the meeting they agreed to a requisition on continued accession talks.

The European Central Bank. Photo copyright Icelandic Photo Agency.

The group concluded that ideas on a new form of capital controls clearly show that the current situation is impossible to live with and that, as they are in conflict with the EEA agreement, reviewing the agreement is unavoidable, visir.is reports.

The group further stated that Iceland’s position on the internal market must be strengthened and an equal position for competition against neighboring countries must be achieved. 

A wide-reaching solidarity on the following goals is considered necessary:

- Disciplined economic administration which coordinates the policy of state finances and matters of interest to the industries with financial stability and the adoption of an employable currency.

- Sound political support for economic goals and EU accession talks. Only that way can a beneficial accession agreement be achieved, on which the nation can take position.

- New realistic plan on accession talks with consideration of the situation in Iceland and in Europe, which allows for flexibility so that solidarity with the nation’s best interest in mind can be reached.

- Amendments to the Constitution of Iceland be made in order for the nation to be able to make these important decisions on Iceland’s position within Europe in the coming term.

A declaration released by the group after the meeting reads:

“It isn’t reasonable to weaken Iceland’s position by shutting out certain options while it isn’t known whether other options are available. We urge the people in this country to join hands in adopting non-extreme attitudes, to use their influences to put pressure on political parties and achieve solidarity on national interests, tenacity in international trade and strengthen economical administration in Iceland. That way the nation’s future competitiveness and acceptable living standards can be guaranteed.”

Among attendees of the meeting were:

Rector of Reykjavík University Ari K. Jónsson, managing director of the Federation of Trade and Services Andrés Magnússon, managing director of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce Finnur Oddsson, chairman of the Icelandic Federation of Labor Gylfi Arnbjörnsson, chairman of the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland Halldór Halldórsson, Hjörleifur Pálsson and Jón Sigurðsson of Össur, Kristín Pétursdóttir of Auður Capital, chairwoman of the Federation of Icelandic Industries Svana Helen Björnsdóttir, Kristján Þorsteinsson of Marel, former Foreign Minister Valgerður Sverrisdóttir for the Progressive Party, former Prime Minister Þorsteinn Pálsson for the Independence Party and former Minister for the Environment Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir for the Social Democrats.

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ESA