Government to reintroduce Protocol 35 bill this parliamentary session

Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said on Tuesday that the bill commonly known as Protocol 35 would be introduced at the start of the parliamentary session, mbl.is reports. It would be the fourth time the bill has been submitted and the third time by the current government.

Government leaders presented their priorities for the coming parliamentary session at a news conference. Gunnarsdóttir said cooperation under the European Economic Area Agreement would remain a central focus of Iceland’s international affairs.

She described the bill as an important rights measure for individuals and companies, intended to ensure those rights on the basis of the EEA Agreement. She also called for broad political and business support for Iceland’s interests within the agreement and in relations with other countries.

Gunnarsdóttir also announced a bill to increase transparency in the fishing industry. The legislation would provide a clearer overview of ownership, and the minister responsible for business affairs is expected to submit it during the winter.

She said competition legislation and merger rules would be reviewed, while the Competition Authority would be strengthened and consumer protection improved. She described protecting the public interest and ensuring healthy competition as among the session’s most important issues.

Gunnarsdóttir said greater care would be taken in preparing public investments in large projects, including better preparation, clearer project management and more discipline before public funds were committed.

She also referred to a justice minister’s bill amending the Penal Code, which is intended in part to address organised crime more effectively but has faced considerable criticism.

New comprehensive civil protection legislation and new security legislation are also expected to be introduced.