Membership status
In March 2015 Iceland's government requested that "Iceland should not be regarded as a candidate country for EU membership". The Council took note and undertook further practical adjustments of its working procedures.
Background
Iceland applied for EU membership in July 2009. The Commission issued a favourable opinion in February 2010, and the Council decided in June 2010 that accession negotiations would be opened. After a new government took over in May 2013, Iceland put the accession negotiations on hold. At the time of this decision, 27 of the negotiating chapters had been opened, of which 11 provisionally closed. In March 2015 Iceland's government requested that "Iceland should not be regarded as a candidate country for EU membership".
Iceland is highly integrated with the EU through membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), the Schengen Area and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It is also a signatory of the Dublin regulation on asylum policySearch for available translations of the preceding link••• and a partner in the EU's Northern Dimension policy to promote cooperation in Northern Europe.
Through the EEA, Iceland participates in the single market and contributes financially towards social and economic cohesion in Europe. A significant proportion of the EU's laws are applied in Iceland today. Iceland also participates, albeit with no voting rights, in a number of EU agencies and programmes, covering areas including enterprise, environment, education and research.
Iceland has a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the EEC since 1972. Two thirds of Iceland's foreign trade is with EU Member States.
Negotiation chapters
| Open | Provisionally closed |
|
Transport policy |
Science and Research Education and Culture Freedom of Movement for Workers Intellectual Property Law Company Law Enterprise and Industrial Policy Trans-European Networks Judiciary and Fundamental Rights consumer and health protection Foreign, security and defence policy Competition Policy |
Timeline
- 12-03-2015In March 2015 Iceland's government requested that "Iceland should not be regarded as a candidate country for EU membership".
- 01-06-2013Iceland puts accession negotiations on hold.
- 18-12-2012Accession conference - six chapters formally opened, one provisionally closed.
- 24-10-2012Accession conference (deputy level) - three chapters formerly opened.
- 22-06-2012Intergovernmental conference; three chapters opened.
- 30-03-2012Intergovernmental Conference; four chapters formally opened of which two provisionally closed.
- 12-12-2011Intergovernmental Conference: 5 chapters opened, 4 provisionally closed.
- 19-10-2011Intergovernmental Conference; 2 chapters opened and provisionally closed.
- 27-06-2011Intergovernmental Conference; 4 chapters opened, 2 provisionally closed
- 20-06-2011'Screening' concluded; accession negotiations continue
- 15-11-2010'Screening' stage of accession negotiations begins.
- 27-07-20101st intergovernmental conference on Iceland's EU accession.
- 17-06-2010Council decides to open negotiations with Iceland.
- 24-02-2010Opinion by Commission on Iceland's application for EU membership.
- 11-01-2010EU delegation opens in Reykjavik.
- 02-11-2009Icelandic ambassador to EU appointed Chief Negotiator for accession talks.
- 01-10-2009Iceland replies to Commission questionnaire.
- 27-07-2009Council requests Commission opinion on application.
- 16-07-2009Iceland applies to join EU.
- 01-01-1994Iceland joins European Economic Area (EEA).
- 01-01-1973Free trade agreement with the European Community.
- 01-01-1970Iceland joins European Free Trade Association (EFTA).