EU talks would begin Iceland’s adaptation, campaign spokesman says

Accession talks with the European Union would involve Iceland adapting to the bloc’s rules before the country votes on a membership treaty, Jónas Hagan, a spokesman for the Já til að sjá movement, said at a meeting reported by mbl.is.

Hagan made the remarks at a Paradigm meeting at Harpa on Monday evening. He attended alongside Hjálmar Vilhjálmsson on behalf of the movement, while MPs Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir and Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, both strong opponents of accession talks, took part on the other side.

“The adaptation process begins with the adaptation negotiations. That is completely clear. I think this should not be hidden from anyone,” Hagan said in response to a question from doctor Brynjólfur Hauksson, who was among the guests.

He said Iceland was currently implementing European Economic Area regulations, while membership of the EU would mainly involve the customs union and the monetary union.

“We will of course not enter the customs union or the monetary union until the negotiations have concluded and the nation has had the opportunity to vote on the entire treaty,” Hagan said.

A new tone in the debate

There has been considerable disagreement over whether the accession talks Iceland plans to begin, if more people vote yes than no in the referendum on August 29, would involve adaptation to the EU’s regulatory framework.

Many supporters of Icelandic EU membership have sought to convince the public that no adaptation would take place unless the nation first approved a completed accession treaty in a second referendum.

Hagan’s comments therefore represent a new tone among supporters of beginning accession talks with the EU.