21 June 2026Ministry for Foreign AffairsWhat 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 of 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.
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:
See more information in thememorandum by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the request of the Althing's Foreign Affairs Committeeon 17 April 2026 (in Icelandic).
See acomplete overview of chapters of the 2009 - 2013accession negotiations.