Iceland is considering the possibility of resuming European Union membership talks as early as August, "Politico" reports, citing informed sources. This comes against the backdrop of Brussels' efforts to expand the bloc, including a plan for partial membership for Ukraine next year. In January, Montenegro closed another negotiating chapter, establishing itself as a favorite for membership, News.bg reports.
The ruling coalition in Reykjavik has promised to hold a referendum on resuming negotiations by 2027, but is accelerating the deadlines due to geopolitical changes, including US tariffs and threats to Greenland. Parliament is expected to announce the date of the vote in the coming weeks.
If Icelanders approve the restart of negotiations, the country could join the EU before any other candidate, a source said. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stressed that the decision to enlarge is now about issues of security, belonging and the EU's ability to act in a global context.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has discussed cooperation with Prime Minister Kristúrn Frostadóttir, highlighting the stability and predictability that Iceland brings to the bloc.
Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009 at the height of the financial crisis, but negotiations were frozen in 2013 after the economy recovered. In 2015, Reykjavik officially withdrew from its candidate status.
The country is strategically important, located in the North Atlantic, has no army, and relies on its NATO membership and a defense agreement with the United States. These factors, together with the economic benefits of membership, increase public support.
Iceland is already a member of the European Economic Area and Schengen, having adopted many of the EU's laws. Before the freeze on negotiations, the country had closed 11 out of 33 chapters, which is less than the progress made by Montenegro.
However, full accession still requires a referendum and the completion of negotiation chapters, which depends on the geopolitical situation and public support. High GDP per capita reduces the economic motivation for membership, and the focus remains on security and international stability.