News

Minister meets with EU Commissioners and European Parliament MEP

<p>The meetings followed yesterday‘s EU- Iceland Intergovernmental conference in Brussels where the first four chapters of the negotiations were opened.</p>

Four chapters opened and two closed at the launch of substantive accession negotiations between Iceland and the EU

<p>Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphédinsson stated Iceland's willingness to open the chapters on fisheries and agriculture as soon as possible.</p>

Minister signs a free trade agreement between EFTA and Hong Kong

Össur Skarphéðinsson, the Foreign Minister of Iceland, has signed on behalf of Iceland, a free trade agreeement between the four EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and Hong Kong, China

Screening meeting on energy concluded

<p>The screening meeting with the European Union on Chapter 15 – energy – was concluded in Brussels on 20 June. At the meeting, experts from Iceland and the EU compared the legislation falling under the Chapter, which has partially been adapted into Icelandic law in accordance with the EEA-Agreement. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms.…

Screening process concluded

<p dir=ltr>Today marks the conclusion of the screening process between the European Union and Iceland, which began in November last year. Experts from Iceland and the European Commission have now compared and scrutinized legislation in all 33 substantive chapters of the accession negotiations.…

Address of the Prime Minister of Iceland at official ceremonies on the parliament square Austurvöllur, 17 June 2011

<p>“It will take more than empty words to put Iceland back on its feet, it will take energy, thrift, foresight and persistence.”</p>

Letter of Credentials presented to president of Mongolia

Kristín A. Árnadottir, Ambassador of Iceland, presented a Letter of Credentials to the President of Mongolia, H.E.…

Treasury finances January - April 2011

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances in January - April 2011 are now available.</p>

Minister meets with a representative of the National Transitional Council in Libya

Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphéðinsson, met with Mr. Guma El-Gamaty, the UK Co-ordinator for the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya on 3 June 2011 to discuss the situation and measures taken by the International Community in Libya.

Iceland issues USD 1 billion bond - A milestone says Finance Minister

<p>Iceland has today issued a USD 1 billion Reg S / 144A bond offering due in 2016.</p>

Screening on enterprise and industrial policy concluded

Screening meeting with European Union on Chapter 20 – Enterprise and industrial policy – was concluded in Brussels on Wednesday, 25 May 2011. 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 part of the EEA-Agreement. The Icelandic team was headed by Ms.…

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>

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>

Central Bank of Iceland, on behalf&nbsp;of the Treasury, agrees to purchase foreign Treasury bonds for approx 346 million euro

<p>In a&#160;tender among investors in Treasury bonds that closed yesterday, the Central Bank of Iceland, on behalf&#160;of the Treasury, agreed to purchase, at par value, foreign Treasury bonds&#160;maturing in 2011 and 2012 for just approximately 346 million euros&#160;(roughly 57 b.kr.).</p>

Minister of Finance welcomes a conclusion of wage negotiations - Government issues a statement

<p>The Government of Iceland today issued a statement on the occasion of the conclusion of wage negotiations between the social partners. The negotiation have been ongoing for some time but concluded on Thursday afternoon.</p>

Treasury finances January-March 2011

Statistics for Treasury finances in January-March 2011 are now available.

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.…

Article by the Prime Minister of Iceland regarding the referendum on 9 April, published in Guardian today

<p>"In a referendum held last Saturday, the Icelandic people decided to reject a legislation providing a state guarantee for the reimbursement payments by the Icelandic Deposit Guarantee Fund to the governments of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands."</p>

Treasury finances January-February 2011

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances in January-February 2011 are now available.</p>

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

<p>A referendum on the so-called ‘Icesave Agreement' was held in Iceland on Saturday, 9 April.<br> </p>

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

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

<p>A referendum on the so-called ‘Icesave Agreement' was held in Iceland on Saturday, 9 April.</p>

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.…

Treasury finances January 2011

Statistics for Treasury finances in January 2011 are now available.

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>

Advertisement on the referendum on 9 April 2011

With reference to Article 5 of the Referendum Act, No. 91/2010 (<em>cf.</em> Article 26 of the Constitution, No. 33/1944), it is hereby determined that a referendum will beheld on 9 April 2011 regarding the validity of the Act No. 13/2011.

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.

Treasury finances January-Desember 2010

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances in January-Desember 2010 are now available.</p>