What were Iceland's main negotiating objectives in the field of labour and social affairs in the EU accession negotiations in 2009 - 2013?
What were Iceland's main negotiating objectives in the field of labour and social affairs in the EU accession negotiations in 2009 - 2013?
Chapter 2 (free movement for workers) was provisionally closed in October 2011. Negotiations on Chapter 19 (social and employment policy) had started but were not completed when negotiations were put on hold. Chapter 3 (right of establishment and freedom to provide services) had not been opened due to its close connection with the fisheries chapter.
Key negotiating objectives were:
- No special arrangements or exemptions were sought.
- Emphasis was placed on Iceland's well-developed labour market system and tripartite dialogue between the government and social partners, as well as the right of social partners to negotiate collective bargaining agreements between themselves.
- To ensure rules to prevent social undercutting.
See more information in the memorandum by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the request of the Althing's Foreign Affairs Committee on 17 April 2026 (in Icelandic).
See a complete overview of chapters of the 2009 - 2013 accession negotiations.