During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on with the Council and the Commission on Iceland's application for membership of the European Union.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

Enlargement to Iceland (T)

EU - Iceland (T)

BROK, Elmar (EPP, DE)

PREDA, Cristian Dan (EPP, RO)

TANNOCK, Timothy Charles Ayrton (ECR, UK)

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

FÜLE, Štefan (EC)

VANACKERE, Steven (BE)

SØNDERGAARD, Søren Bo (GUE/NGL, DK)

Iceland's application for membership of the European Union: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (French), Steven VANACKERE, Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister, speaking on behalf of the Belgium Council Presidency, Iceland is already a member of the Schengen zone and EEA, and as such Iceland is already closely linked with the EU and integrated in many important areas where the 'acquis' will possible to reach, it is not possible for us to fix a definitive calendar of negotiations nor to prejudge the outcome of detailed negotiations in areas such as fishing or whaling, where Europe has a very clear position which is an integral part of the 'acquis'. There is also the question of agriculture and rural development and it is likely that negotiations might go a little less rapidly there.

SOUNDBITE (English), &#352;tefan F&#220;LE, European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Iceland will for the 1st time be included in our annual enlargement package this year with a first progress report to be published mid-November, where by progress of the last year will be monitored. As you can see all preparations are well on track to allow start of the negotiations. Iceland's membership of the EEA, its association with Schengen agreement and the country's high democratic standard will be valuable as such in this process.

SOUNDBITE (Romanian), Cristian Dan PREDA (EPP, RO), rapporteur, Iceland has a strong democratic tradition, on the other hand despite encouraging signs there are still doubts concerning the independence of the judiciary system, more over the Icelandic authorities must end to make a distinction and discrimination concerning the EU right to take part in local elections.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI (S&amp;D, IT), Mr Preda mentioned its legal system, it is important that Iceland adopt a clear machinery to make sure that its legal offices are independent dealing with the appointment of judges, public prosecutors and etc and the Icelandic government needs to encourage the Icelandic people to become keen in involving themselves in this European adventure.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), Iceland dependence on its fishing industry will most likely result in a favourable deal which itself prompt long overdue reform of the Common fishery policy and pave the way for Norwegian accession. 3rd Iceland has already adopted large parts of the 'acquis' to membership of the EU economic area and the Schengen zone, therefore absorption of Iceland would not exacerbate the so called enlargement 'fatigue' which has been blamed for the public disenchantment with the EU. No one expect wealthy Icelanders to leave their under populated country on mass to seek work elsewhere in the EU.

SOUNDBITE (Danish), S&#248;ren Bo S&#216;NDERGAARD (S&amp;D, DK), If you look at the most recently opinion polls in Iceland you will see an increasing of position of EU membership, if a referendum is held today, 70 percent would vote against and only 30 percent would vote in favour of an EU membership. If you think that propaganda can do something to change these figures with EU's blessing then you are totally wrong.

SOUNDBITE (German), Elmar BROK (EPP, DE), I think we have to encourage the Icelandic government to negotiate in the knowledge that the majority of the population stands behind it. So I would urge them to campaign for EU membership and I would like the Commissioner take action.