Negotiations on six chapters in Iceland’s accession talks with the European Union were launched at an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in Brussels last week. The relevant chapters are Free Movement on Goods, Taxation, Economic and Monetary Policy, Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments, Environment and External Relations.
The EU Central Bank. Photo copyright Icelandic Photo Agency.
According to a press release from the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a total of 27 out of 33 chapters have now been opened and 11 closed provisionally.
In his address at the conference, Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphéðinsson said he was more confident than ever that joining the EU was the right step for the country. Össur said that economic difficulties require more cooperation, not less, and a Eurozone with greater discipline would be a viable option for Iceland.
The next IGC will take place in March.
More information about the chapters opened last week can be accessed here.
ZR
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