News

Volcanic activity significantly reduced

Activity in the volcanic eruption in Grimsvotn in southern Iceland is significantly reduced and the volcano is reduced to emitting mostly low steam, 100-200 meters. Small explosions can still be expected, according to information from the Icelandic Met Office. Travellers are advised not to go closer to the eruption than 6 km, due to these explosions. <br>

Screening meeting on External Relations concluded

<p>The screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 30 – External Relations – was concluded in Brussels on 19 May. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the Chapter, which is not part of the EEA-Agreement. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms.…

Eruption on the wane; clean-up phase begins

<p>&#160;“The worst is over,” said Icelandic Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir today, “and now the clean-up can begin. Our geoscientists say that the eruption is waning day by day and that the problems arising in our neighbouring countries as a result of volcanic ash should be resolved quickly.”</p>

Screening meeting on Foreign, Security and Defence Policy concluded

At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the chapter, which is not part of the EEA-Agreement.

Eruption in Grimsvotn

<p>A volcanic eruption began in the Grimsvotn underneath the Vatnajökull glacier in South-East Iceland in the afternoon of Saturday, 21 May. Due to airborn ash concentration resulting from the eruption plume, aviation safety measures are in effect and domestic and international air traffic has been closed for Sunday 22 May.</p>

Screening meeting on Economic and Monetary Policy concluded

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 17 – Economic and monetary policy – was concluded in Brussels 17 May. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the Chapter, which is not part of the EEA-Agreement. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Már Guðmundsson, Governor, Central Bank of Iceland.</p>

Secretary Clinton and minister Skarphéðinsson agree on further cooperation in the Arctic

<p>Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphéðinsson and Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of State met in Washington DC yesterday. They discussed Arctic issues, security and defence cooperation, the situation in the Middle East and cooperation on geothermal energy.</p>

Minister presents annual report on foreign affairs

<p>Össur Skarphéðinsson Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, yesterday presented an annual report on foreign affairs to the Icelandic Parliament.</p>

Minister condemns violence against protesters in Syria

Foreign Minister Skarphéðinsson says no governement has the right to use force in the way that has been done in Syria recently.

Screening meeting on Consumer and Health Protection concluded

Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 28 – Consumer and Health protection – was concluded in Brussels 16 May. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Harald Aspelund, chairman of EEA II negotiation team.…

Women and Food Security

<p>&#160;Dr. Marcela Villarreal, Director of FAO's Gender, Equity and Rural Employment Division, introduces a new report by the Un food and agriculture organisation (FAO) on Women and Food Security.</p>

Arctic Council‘s new agreement will strengthen Search and Rescue efforts in the Arctic

Össur Skarphéðinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs signed an agreement on cooperation in Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic, along with representatives of the other seven member states of the Arctic Council at its Ministers meeting in Nuuk, Greenland on 12 May

Minister urges Israelis to immediately release Palestinian funds

<p>Össur Skarphéðinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, urges the Israeli authorities to immediately release Palestinian tax funds to the Palestinian Authority in order for them to be able to provide essential services and pay wages</p>

A Parliamentary Resolution on Iceland's Arctic Policy

<p>A parliamentary resolution on Iceland's Arctic Policy was approved by Althingi on March 28 2011. It aims at securing Icelandic interests with regard to the effects of climate change, environmental issues, natural resources, navigation and social development as well as strengthening relations and cooperation with other States and stakeholders on the issues facing the region.</p>

Icelandic and Indian Foreign Ministers meet in New Delhi

At a meeting with Mr. S.M. Krishna, India's Foreign Minister in New Delhi yesterday, Mr. Ossur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made a formal request that India would continue to support Iceland's Economic Recovery Programme within the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Also Mr.…

Screening meeting on Customs Union concluded in Brussels

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 29 – European Union Customs Union – was concluded in Brussels 6 April. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms. Marianna Jonasdottir, chairperson of Financial Affairs negotiation team.</p>

Statement from the Government of Iceland on the outcome of the referendum on the Icesave Agreements

Screening meeting on Financial and Budgetary Provisions concluded

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 33 – Financial and Budgetary Provisions – was concluded in Brussels yesterday. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms. Marianna Jonasdottir, chairperson of Financial Affairs negotiation team.</p>

Screening meeting on Food Safety concluded

Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 12 – Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy – was concluded in Brussels yesterday. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter.…

Össur Skarphéðinsson attends a conference in London on Libya

Yesterday, Mr. Össur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a conference in London, where representatives from fifty states and international organizations met to discuss the situation in Libya.…

Screening on Regional Policy and Coordination of structural instrument concluded

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 22 – Regional Policy and Coordination of structural instruments – was concluded in Brussels 22 February. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms.…

Screening on Social Policy and Employment Concluded

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 19 – Social Policy and Employment – was concluded in Brussels 16 March. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Harald Aspelund, chairman of the EEA II negotiation team.<br> </p>

Iceland Contributes Humanitarian Assistance to Japan

The Government of Iceland will contribute ISK 10 million to humanitarian assistance in Japan in response to the emergency situation caused by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Iceland Supports Humanitarian Assistance Caused by the Crisis in Libya

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Össur Skarphéðinsson, has announced that Iceland will contribute ISK 12 million to humanitarian assistance for people affected by the crisis in Libya.

The EU Culture Programme grants € 200,000 to Sagenhaftes Island

<p>"Sagenhaftes Island" has received a € 200,000 grant from the EU's Culture programme. In the months before the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, Sagenhaftes Island will stage an ambitious series of cultural events focusing on Icelandic literature, as well as Icelandic art and design.</p>

Screening Meeting on Taxation concluded

Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 16 – Taxation – was concluded in Brussels on 4 March 2011. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms. Marianna Jonasdottir, chairperson of the Financial Affairs negotiation team. <br>

Screening Meeting on Fisheries Concluded

<p>The screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 13 – Fisheries – was concluded in Brussels on 2 March 2011. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland presented a detailed overview of fisheries and related legislation in Iceland. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Kolbeinn Árnason, Chairman of the Negotiation Group on Fisheries.</p>

National referendum on Icesave bill held on 9 April

Following the President´s decision not to sign into law the so-called Icesave bill passed by parliament, a national referendum on its validity will be held on 9 April. The bill had been passed by the Icelandic parliament with an overwhelming majority; 44 votes out of 63 in favour.

Strategy for Iceland's Development Cooperation 2011-2014

This is the first time that a comprehensive strategy and plan of action for Iceland's development cooperation is tabled in parliament. The proposal will be deliberated by the Foreign Affairs Committee of Althingi before a final vote by members of parliament.

Polish and Icelandic Foreign Ministers meet in Warsaw

Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson met with his Polish counterpart Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw yesterday

Foreign Minister visits Lithuania

<p>Last week, Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson visited Vilnius at the invitation of the Lithuanian government to celebrate that Iceland was the first country to support Lithuania's independence 20 years ago.&#160;During the visit Mr. Skarphedinsson met Dalia Grybauskaite, president of Lithuania and Audronius Azubalis, the Foreign Minister</p>

Screening meeting on Judiciary and fundamental rights concluded

Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 23 – Judiciary and fundamental rights – was concluded in Brussels last Friday. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms.…

Screening meeting on Freedom of movement for workers concluded

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 2 – Freedom of movement for workers – was concluded in Brussels 9 February. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Harald Aspelund, chairman of the EEA II negotiation team.</p>

Foreign Minister on the situation in Egypt

Össur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, is deeply concerned by the situation in Egypt and&nbsp;condemns any use of violence against protesters

Screening meeting on Agriculture and rural development concluded

Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 11 – Agriculture and rural development – was concluded in Brussels 27 January. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the EU legislation falling under the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed with Mr. Sigurgeir Thorgeirsson, chairman of the negotiation team.<br>

Screening meeting on Environment concluded

<p>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 27- Environment – was concluded in Brussels 20 January. At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the Icelandic legislation with the legislation of the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Harald Aspelund, chairman of the EEA II negotiation team. <br> </p>

Screening meeting on science and research concluded

<p dir=ltr>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 25 – Science and research – was concluded in Brussels 14&nbsp;January. At the meeting, the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the European Union compared the legislation of the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Harald Aspelund, chairman of the EEA II negotiation team. </p>

Screening meeting on education and culture concluded

<p dir=ltr>Screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 26 – Education and culture – was concluded in Brussels 14&nbsp;January<b>.</b> At the meeting, which was the latter one of two, experts from Iceland and the EU compared legislation of the Chapter. The Icelandic team was headed by Mr. Harald Aspelund, chairman of the EEA II negotiation team.</p>

New Director General of the ICEIDA appointed

<p>The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ossur Skarphedinsson, has appointed Mr. Engilbert Gudmundsson to the position of Director General for the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA).</p>

Ambassador Kristin A. Arnadottir presents her credentials in Vietnam

<p>On December 9, Ambassador Kristin A. Arnadottir presented her credentials to President Nguyen Minh Triet in Hanoi. Furthermore the Ambassador had meetings with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Vice-Minister of Industry and Trade and the Vice Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.</p>

Screening meeting on Free movement of goods concluded

<p>The screening of chapter 1 – Free movement of goods – ended last Wednesday in Brussels. At the meeting, which lasted two days, experts from Iceland and the European Union compared the legislation in the chapter. The Icelandic team of experts was headed by Mrs. Bryndis Kjartansdottir, chairperson of the EEA I negotiations team.</p>

Iceland's negotiating committee introduced it´s summary on Icesave

<p>Iceland's negotiation committee introduced in Reykjavík today, Thursday 8. December, it's summary on the outcome of the recent discussions on Icesave in London with British and Dutch committees on the matter.</p>

Screening meeting on Competition policy concluded

<p>The Screening meeting between Iceland and the European Union on chapter 8 – Competition Policy - ended yesterday afternoon in Brussels. At the meeting, which lasted one day, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation of the Competitive law which covers both anti-trust and state aid control policies.…

Study shows culture and creative industries as one of Iceland's biggest economic sectors

<p>The study also shows&#160;that around 6% of the labour force is employed by the creative industries, which makes the creative class"one of the most populous in the country.</p>

Cooperation in advanced technology between Iceland and Japan

Iceland and Japan have decided to enhance cooperation between Icelandic and Japanese business enterprises in energy and advanced green technology.…

Screening meeting on Information society and media concluded

<p>The screening meeting between Iceland and the EU on chapter 10, Information society and media, was concluded yesterday.…

Screening meeting on Company law concluded&nbsp;

<p>Screening meeting, between Iceland and European Union on chapter 6 of the EU acquis, Company law, ended yesterday in Brussels. At the meeting, which went on over the day, experts from Iceland and the European Union compared the legislation of chapter 6.</p>

First screening meeting between Iceland and the EU

<img alt="rynivinna2" src="http://www.mfa.is/media/utanrikisraduneyti-media/media/myndir/xsmall/rynivinna2.jpg"> <p>Today, the first screening meeting between experts from Iceland and the EU Commission took place in Brussels. The screening meetings are part of the preparation for the forthcoming negotiations on Iceland's membership of the EU.&#160;</p>

EU issues Progress Report on Iceland

The report assesses economic and political development in Iceland from February to October 2010, and recapulates the issues that need to be addressed in the upcoming accession talks.

Furthering Nordic cooperation&nbsp;in foreign affairs and security policy

<p>Statement of the&#160;Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden&#160;in Reykjavik on 3 November 2010 on matters of common interest in the area of foreign affairs and security policy.</p>