- Iceland's government says control of the country’s fisheries will remain non-negotiable if voters approve restarting European Union accession talks later this month, placing one of the country’s most politically sensitive issues at the centre of the referendum campaign.
- The government’s position comes ahead of Iceland’s August 29 referendum on whether to resume negotiations on joining the European Union.
- While a “yes” vote would only restart talks rather than approve membership, fisheries policy remains one of the biggest obstacles to any future agreement.
- Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir told the Financial Times that Iceland would not surrender control of its fisheries or quota system during negotiations, and any future agreement would have to recognise Iceland’s management of one of Europe’s largest fishing industries.
- The referendum scheduled for August 29 asks voters only whether negotiations should restart, and any eventual accession agreement would require a second referendum before Iceland could join the European Union.
Iceland's government has made it clear that control over its fisheries will be a non-negotiable point in any future discussions with the European Union, especially as the country approaches a pivotal referendum on August 29.167
Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir emphasized that Iceland will not relinquish its fisheries management or quota system during negotiations. “Any future agreement would have to recognise Iceland’s management of one of Europe’s largest fishing industries,” she stated, highlighting the significance of this sector in Iceland's economy and political landscape.
Fishing has historically been a contentious issue in Iceland's relationship with the EU. Although Iceland is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area, it has never adopted the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. Disputes over fisheries led to the suspension of accession talks in 2013, which were formally ended two years later.3
The upcoming referendum will only determine whether negotiations should restart, not whether Iceland will join the EU. Any eventual accession agreement would require a second referendum before Iceland could join the European Union.
The European Commission has indicated a willingness to consider tailored arrangements regarding fisheries if negotiations resume, but Icelandic ministers remain firm that sovereignty over marine resources is not up for discussion.
As the referendum date approaches, the fisheries issue is expected to dominate the campaign, reflecting its importance in Icelandic politics and public sentiment.
“Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir told the Financial Times that Iceland will not surrender control of its fisheries or quota system, and any future agreement must recognize its management of one of Europe's largest fishing industries. A 'yes' vote would only restart talks, not approve membership, with a second referendum required for accession.”
