Iceland refuses to join EU

Iceland has recalled its application for membership in the European Union. Reykjavik has refused from further European integration negotiations, the country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson told his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkēvičs. Latvia is presiding in the Council of the EU now and the Icelandic Minister’s announcement may be considered an official address to the European Union.    

Iceland is refusing from the commitments of the previous government, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson stressed. However, he expressed a hope for strengthening of Brussels- Reykjavik cooperation, foreign mass media report. In his turn, Edgars Rinkēvičs claimed that he respected the decision made by the Icelandic government.

Iceland applied for membership in the European Union when it was in a difficult economic situation in 2009. The membership negotiations started in 2010 but the new government decided to suspend the European integration three years later and hold a referendum.

Photo: tourblogger.ru

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