Iceland PM calls for time before deciding on EU application

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir says no decision has been made on whether to withdraw the country’s application to join the European Union, mbl.is reported. She said the government should take a little time to consider its next steps.

“No decision has been made. The question is more about when it would be appropriate to withdraw the application, or whether this chapter could be closed in another way. I think it is reasonable for us to take a little time to think about the next steps,” Frostadóttir told Morgunblaðið after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

She said Icelanders wanted to maintain good relations with the EU and that most people wanted the country to remain part of the European Economic Area. The government could take several days to consider whether to withdraw the application or close the chapter in another way, she said.

“We voted on whether we should continue the accession negotiations. The accession negotiations will not continue. That is the main issue,” Frostadóttir said.

The prime minister also said she took public concerns about the government’s economic management seriously. Those concerns were reflected in a recent opinion poll, she said, adding that they put greater pressure on the government to deliver on its promises.