Iceland on Course for the EU
Accession as a Last Resort
SWP Comment 2009/C 05, 15.05.2009, 4 Pages Research AreasAccession as a Last Resort
SWP Comment 2009/C 05, 15.05.2009, 4 Pages Research AreasThe course is set for Europe. Iceland is likely to apply for full membership of the European Union following the victory of the Social Democratic Alliance led by prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir in the general elections of 25th April. However, it seems unlikely that Iceland will eventually accept the terms of membership. Three factors militate against Icelandic EU membership: time, fish and the euroscepticism of the political elite. Germany is nevertheless well advised to welcome Iceland’s move towards the EU and to be as accommodating as possible in the course of the accession process.