How would Iceland's negotiating objectives be formulated should voters decide to resume accession negotiations with the EU?

Extensive work took place on the formulation of Iceland’s negotiating objectives in preparation for and in connection with the accession negotiations 2009-2013.

If voters decide to resume negotiations, domestic organisational arrangements would be put in place modelled on the 2009-2013 structure. Approximately 200 people participated in negotiating groups covering the individual chapters, ensuring broad domestic consultation with direct involvement of stakeholders and civil society. A negotiating committee would be established, with a chief negotiator appointed to lead the process. Strong emphasis would be placed on broad participation and transparency throughout.

The main national interests and negotiating objectives are covered in Chapter VI of the Committee Opinion of the majority of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the proposal for a parliamentary resolution that formed the basis for the Althing’s approval on 28 May 2026 for a referendum to be held on 29 August 2026.

Chapter VI refers, among other things, to: general issues; the EEA Agreement; energy and natural resources; fisheries; agriculture and rural development; environment and climate; labour and industry; economic and monetary affairs; security and defence; tax and customs; budgetary affairs; and the EU budget.

See Icelandic negotiation positions by chapters in the 2009 - 2013 accession negotiations.

Here you can find further information about the negotiation priorities that formed the basis of Iceland’s application to the European Union in 2009 (in Icelandic).