Dalla Leyen afferma che l’applicazione UE islandese è ancora valida

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that Iceland’s original application to join the European Union remains valid.

That is, of course, should the country decide to resume the process.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir in Reykjavík, Von der Leyen responded to questions regarding Iceland’s EU status and the government’s plans to hold a national referendum on reopening accession talks.

“The important thing to remember is that the decision is in the hands of the Icelandic people,” Von der Leyen said. “Iceland is in a good position to start the process again, and the application is still valid.”

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the referendum, stating: “We want the mandate of the Icelandic people… I will respect this decision whether it is yes or no.”

Not weighing in
Although the previous government formally withdrew the application in 2015, current coalition parties have agreed to bring the matter to a public vote. This is according to a recent article from Visir.

When asked about opposition from the People’s Party, Von der Leyen declined to comment, saying it was not her role to weigh in on Icelandic domestic politics. “The decision is in the hands of the Icelandic people,” she repeated.

Von der Leyen also noted the strength of Iceland’s existing cooperation with the EU, citing productive discussions with both Kristrún and Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.

These are great news for the Arctic island which will have an upcoming referendum (possibly even next year)

Wait, the former right wing government who suspended the EU talks without parliament’s approval was lying, no way 😮.

If they join and I hope they do. We only need Norway and all the Nordics are a team once again. And if Iceland joins and assuming Norway will vote more towards safety from Russia, that’s not unlikely.