News

US Deputy Secretary of State visits Iceland

Increased cooperation between the United States and Iceland, including in the fields of technology and innovation, were among the topics of discussion at a meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Þordís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir and Kurt M. Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, held at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Reykjavík on Friday.…

Successful Northern Viking exercise comes to an end

Exercise Northern Viking 2024 came to an end this week, after eleven days of successful cooperation between Iceland and the United States, as well as seven other NATO Allies.

Joint Nordic statement on the Norwegian representative office in the Palestinian territories

As Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden deeply regret Israel’s decision to no longer facilitate Norway’s representation to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and revoke the diplomatic status for Norwegian diplomats dealing with the PA.

Northern Viking 2024 exercises defence of Iceland

The Northern Viking 2024 defence exercise will take place in and around Iceland from 26 August to 3 September.

Joint Nordic statement on the Norwegian representative office in the Palestinian territories

The Royal Air Force conducts air policing mission around Iceland

A British air squadron is expected to arrive in Iceland at the beginning of next week, marking the start of a NATO air surveillance mission in Iceland (ASIC IPPN). The squadron consists of four F-35 fighter jets and 180 personnel.

GRÓ Annual Report 2023 published

The year 2023 was an active year for GRÓ – Centre for Capacity Development, Sustainability and Societal Change, and the four training programmes on fisheries, gender equality, geothermal energy and land restoration. A total of 92 fellows graduated from the 5–6 month training programmes, five GRÓ scholarship recipients graduated with a Masters’ degree and one with a PhD.

Nordic statement calling for release of Palestinian clearance revenues and preservation of correspondent banking services between Israel and the West Bank

The Nordic countries are greatly concerned by the withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues which is exacerbating the strenuous fiscal situation of the Palestinian Authority.…

Iceland increases contributions to UNRWA

Today, the Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, Ásmundur Einar Daðason attended on behalf of the Prime Minister of Iceland the Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response conference in Jordan.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Össur donate prosthetics to Ukraine

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Icelandic health technology company Össur, will be financing a pilot project on prosthetic solutions for twenty individuals receiving care at the rehabilitation hospital in Dnipro, located in eastern Ukraine.

The Joint Expeditionary Force Activity Nordic Warden

This week, the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has begun a month-long series of protective military activities which sees multiple Maritime and Air units contributing to the security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure across Northern Europe.…

Iceland announces new commitments to humanitarian efforts in Syria and neighboring countries

Iceland's contributions to humanitarian efforts in Syria and neighboring countries amount to ISK 820 million over the next three years. Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir announced this at the 2024 Brussels VIII Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' held in Brussels this week.

Nordic-Baltic statement on recent developments in Georgia

Iceland and Sweden‘s joint team participates in world’s largest cyber defence exercise

NATO’s cyber defence exercise Locked Shields 2024 has concluded with Iceland participating in a joint team with Sweden, the newest member of the Alliance. The exercise is organized and executed by NATOs Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, of which Iceland is a member.

Long-term policy on Iceland's support for Ukraine approved in Alþingi

The proposed parliamentary resolution on Iceland's long-term support for Ukraine 2024-2028 put forward by the Minister of Foreign Affairs was approved by Alþingi today with overwhelming support.

Iceland signs new multi-year framework agreement with UNHCR

Martin Eyjólfsson, Permanent Secretary, and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, signed a new multi-year framework agreement outlining Iceland’s continued flexible and predictable financial support to UNHCR.

New multi-year framework agreement with the World Food Programme

Matthías G. Pálsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland to International Organisations in Rome, and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), signed a new framework agreement outlining Iceland’s continued flexible and predictable financial support to WFP for the next five years.

Iceland pledges support to humanitarian efforts in Sudan

Iceland will provide 140 million ISK over the next two years in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan. Martin Eyjólfsson, Permanent Secretary, announced this new pledge at an international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries in Paris yesterday, hosted by France, Germany and the European Commission.

Iceland hosts NATO’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference in Reykjavik

Over 200 cyber security experts from NATO member states took part in NATO’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference in Reykjavík on 9-11 April. During the conference experts discussed the principal cyber security threats and challenges facing member states.…

Nordic statement on the opening of the port of Ashdod and the Erez crossing 12 April 2024

The Nordic countries welcome the Israeli government’s announcement that life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza can be received in the port of Ashdod, that the Erez crossing will be reopened to facilitate entry to north Gaza, and that humanitarian assistance from Jordan entering through Kerem Shalom crossing in the south will be increased.

Increased support for the defence of Ukraine

Iceland will support the Czech initiative to provide ammunition for Ukraine and fund equipment for women in the Ukrainian military. Ukraine is facing severe shortage of artillery shells, and the Czech-led initiative will help finance the delivery of ammunition to Ukraine, a vital part for Ukraine’s defence. Approximately two million euros are expected to be spent on the project by Iceland.

The Foreign Minister proposes to Althingi a resolution on long-term support to Ukraine

Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has introduced a draft parliamentary resolution on Iceland’s long-term support for Ukraine. The aim is to signal Iceland's unwavering commitment and solidarity with Ukraine, and to allow for long-term planning and greater efficiency in these efforts.

Iceland disburses annual core contribution to UNRWA

Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has decided that the payment of Iceland's core contribution to the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) will be made by 1 April.

Iceland supports the training of Ukrainian naval cadets

Iceland has undertaken training of Ukrainian naval cadets who will receive training in practical seamanship including navigation, maritime surveillance, and operations, including search and rescue.

EFTA states and India sign Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement

A new Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA states— Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland - and India was signed in New Delhi on Sunday 10 March 2024. Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson signed the agreement on Iceland’s behalf.

Iceland’s delegation in Cairo has concluded its work

Today, 72 Palestinians from Gaza with residence permit in Iceland have arrived in Iceland to be reunited with their families. Their passage from Gaza across the Rafah border, which requires approval from the Egyptian and Israeli governments, was facilitated by a delegation from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs that has been operating in Egypt for the last few weeks.

New partnership agreement with ICRC

Anna Jóhannsdóttir, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Robert Mardini, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) signed on 27 February 2024 a new partnership agreement on Iceland’s flexible and predictable financial support to the ICRC over the next three years. The agreement stipulates 30 million ISK annual contributions in support of ICRC’s core activities.

Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs calls for collective action at the Human Rights Council

Iceland’s Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson stressed the importance of collective action to address the regression of human rights as he delivered Iceland’s speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday.

Permanent Secretary of State, Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, travelled to New Delhi for Nordic-Baltic participation in the Raisina Dialogue

On 21-23 February, the Permanent Secretary of State, Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, visited New Delhi in the company of Nordic-Baltic colleagues to attend the annual Raisina Dialogue. The trip was undertaken jointly within the framework of the Nordic Baltic cooperation (NB8).

Long-term support to Ukraine

The Government of Iceland will put forward a five-year plan to Althingi to cement Iceland‘s long-term commitment of support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia‘s illegal invasion. Iceland will also continue to support Ukraine on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration.

Support for Ukraine on the top of the agenda at the Munich Security Conference

Growing concerns over the state of international affairs were central to discussions at the annual Munich Security Conference held in Germany. Broad consensus on the importance of supporting Ukraine's defence and safeguarding democratic values were the issues that topped the agenda.…

Iceland co-leads the Demining Coalition

Iceland is among 20 countries that intend to support Ukraine in mine detection and clearance, with a declaration of intent signed in Brussels yesterday in connection with the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting.

NATO Defence Ministers focus on deterrence and Ukraine in Brussels

Strengthening defence and deterrence and closer cooperation with Ukraine were among the topics of discussion at the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) defence ministers' meeting in Brussels today. Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson attended the meeting.

Financial support for UNRWA delayed

Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, decided on Friday to delay the disbursement of Iceland’s annual core contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following reports of allegations of the involvement of twelve UNRWA employees in the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.…

Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the International Court of Justice's Order

The Icelandic government has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in order to ease the suffering of the people of Gaza. Today's Order of the International Court of Justice on provisional measures is a testament to the dire situation in Gaza and the obligations of the parties to the conflict to protect civilians.…

New multi-year framework agreements with OCHA and CERF

Einar Gunnarsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations in Geneva, and Ramesh Rajasingham, Head and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) in Geneva, signed two new multi-year framework agreements outlining Iceland’s continued flexible and predictable financial support to OCHA and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), two…

Reykjanes Volcanic Eruption: Icelandic Government Advice

On Sunday 14 January, at 07:57, a further volcanic eruption began north of the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Norwegian Air Force conducts air policing around Iceland

A flight squadron from the Norwegian Air Force is expected to arrive in the country on Monday to conduct a NATO air policing mission in Iceland for the next few weeks. This will be the eighth time that the Norwegians have supported the mission, with the Norwegian Air Force last deployment present in the country in January and February of 2023.

Iceland takes part in NATO Cyber Defense Exercise

Iceland recently participated in the annual NATO Cyber Defense Exercise, Cyber Coalition 2023, along with 35 allied and partner countries. This was the first time Iceland took part in the exercise. Its goal was to test the collective defence capabilities and coordination of the countries' cyber defence forces in response to a major cyber attack.

Iceland joins two coalitions supporting Ukraine

Iceland will join two coalitions providing support to Ukraine, the IT coalition and the Demining coalition.

Reykjanes Volcanic Eruption: Icelandic Government Advice

Monday, at 22:17, a volcanic eruption began northeast of the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. This is the fourth eruption since 2021 in the area, and the largest so far with an initial fissure opening of 4 km.

IceWind selected for the first DIANA Challenge

The Icelandic innovation company IceWind, which develops and builds robust vertical axis wind turbines, designed to withstand all weather conditions, and be installed in remote locations, was selected for the first Emerging and Disruptive Technologies Challenge by the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

Enhanced surveillance of critical underwater infrastructure

The Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) have decided to activate a JEF Response Option, which includes enhanced surveillance of critical underwater infrastructure. The activity will take place in early December and is intended to increase surveillance and presence in cooperation with NATO, which also carries out similar missions in the Baltic Sea region.

Defence ministers discuss security developments at a meeting in Stockholm

Security developments, strengthened defence posture and continued support for Ukraine were among the issues on the agenda in a recent two-day meeting of Nordic and Baltic defence ministers in Stockholm.…

Mobile field hospital donated by Iceland operational in Ukraine

The mobile field hospital, which Alþingi, the Icelandic Parliament, decided in the spring to donate to the Ukrainian people, has arrived in Ukraine and is operational. The total cost of the project amounted to EUR 7.4 million, or approximately ISK 1.1 billion. The mobile field hospital is an important contribution and is useful in caring for wounded soldiers and civilians near the battlefield.

Iceland increases support to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland has decided to provide an additional contribution of 100 million ISK in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The contribution will be divided between the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). This was announced at a cabinet meeting today.

Robert Spano elected to the Board of the Register of Damage for Ukraine

Robert Spano of Iceland was today elected to serve on the Board of the Register of Damage caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The election took place at the meeting of Participants of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Register of Damage for Ukraine that took place in Strasbourg.…

Reykjavík Global Forum

The Reykjavik Global Forum, taking place in Harpa 13-14 November, has become an important venue for international discussions and networking on women's rights and gender equality. Over 500 participants from 80 countries attended the conference this year.

Seismic activity in Reykjanes

Icelandic Civil Protection authorities have declared a state of emergency following increased seismic activity in Reykjanes Peninsula. During last night the town of Grindavik was evacuated as a preventive measure.

Iceland doubles contributions to the United Nations emergency response in Gaza and calls for an immediate humanitarian pause

The Government of Iceland has decided to double its financial contribution to the United Nations emergency appeal for Gaza. The decision was announced on 2 November during the 10th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the situation in the Middle East, where Iceland also reiterated the call for an immediate humanitarian pause.