Opinion writer warns of hidden risks in EU talks

In an opinion article published by Morgunblaðið, Birgir Þórarinsson urges voters to look beyond attractive promises before making decisions that could affect Iceland’s society, economy and use of natural resources.

The Icelandic sagas contain deep wisdom about human nature, power and society, he writes. They are not only stories of battles and family disputes, but also contain valuable lessons in ethics and statecraft.

One lesson, he argues, is the importance of caution before major decisions are made. The sagas also contain prophecies and warnings that influence the course of events. Among the most influential examples are the dreams of Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir in Laxdæla saga.

Guðrún dreams of valuable jewellery, a silver ring and a golden helmet. Although the objects appear beautiful and alluring, the dreams foreshadow misfortune and unforeseen dangers beneath a glittering surface.

Þórarinsson recalls visiting Hrafnseyri, the birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson, by Arnarfjörður shortly before a referendum on European Union membership. There, he spoke with an older man who described a dream he believed signalled unforeseen danger.

In the dream, the man walked beside a snowfield and looked across its beautiful, sunlit surface. When he lightly struck the snow with his walking stick, a large depression appeared. After he struck it again, the snowfield disappeared into a huge and dangerous pit beneath the surface.

The man was frightened but unharmed. His thoughts immediately turned to those who might have crossed the snowfield believing it was solid, only to discover the danger too late.

Þórarinsson says the story made him reflect on the referendum. He suggests the dream may have been a prophecy and warning of misfortune and unforeseen dangers, like Guðrún’s dreams.

He argues that those who look beneath the surface of the European Union can see that promises of cheaper cups of coffee and slices of pizza may obscure more serious facts. Negotiations with the EU are not risk-free, he writes, because they represent a step into an area where the nation’s interests and independence are at stake.

Iceland is an independent and prosperous country, he says, and reaching that position required a long national struggle to move from poverty to prosperity. Its economic strength is based on its natural resources, particularly its rich fishing grounds and clean energy.

He claims that the European Union’s interest in expanding its sphere of influence is clear and includes gaining access to these valuable resources. If the government’s process ended with Iceland joining the EU, the country would have to pay substantial sums each year into the union’s funds, he writes. That money would not be spent on roads or the healthcare system in Iceland.

Þórarinsson concludes that voters cannot rely on what he calls superficial promises. Before taking a step that could permanently change the framework of society, the economy and resource use, he says, voters must look beyond the smooth surface and examine what lies beneath.