Iceland rules out restarting EU membership talks

The Icelandic government does not intend to restart membership negotiations with the European Union, mbl.is reported. Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said this in a letter sent on Wednesday to Helen McEntee, Ireland’s foreign minister, who holds the presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, following the result of a referendum on whether Iceland should resume EU membership talks.

The letter stressed that close cooperation between Iceland and the EU would continue despite the referendum result, on the basis of a strong foundation.

Gunnarsdóttir highlighted the importance of the European Economic Area Agreement, shared challenges and improved implementation of the cooperation. She also expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the EU in areas including security and defence, the Arctic and ocean affairs.

Iceland’s support for Ukraine’s defence was also reaffirmed.