22 June 2026Ministry for Foreign AffairsHow long could the accession negotiations take and how much would they cost?The government's assessment is that negotiations could be concluded within 18 to 24 months with mutual willingness on the part of both parties.
How long could the accession negotiations take and how much would they cost?
The government's assessment is that negotiations could be concluded within 18 to 24 months with mutual willingness on the part of both parties. Substantive negotiations could begin sometime between October and December 2026.
Total estimated direct costs of negotiations amount to ISK 1,895 million, comprising salary costs of ISK 1,120 million, translation costs of ISK 600 million, and costs to other ministries of ISK 175 million.
More information can be found (in Icelandic) in aspecial memorandumproduced by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for the Althing's Foreign Affairs Committee, published 17 March 2026.