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 Mini…

How much would EU membership cost? To estimate the cost of EU membership it is necessary to take into account: Iceland's direct financial contributions; what Iceland would receive from EU funds; and other costs that could be incurred in parallel with EU membership, such as EEA cooperation. Please note that some of these factors are veiled uncertainty but would be partly clarified during accession negotiations. When assessing the potential cost of EU membership, the cost of membership of other EU Member States have been taken into account, such as Finland. Finland's net contribution to the E…

What would EU membership mean for Icelandic agriculture? The effects would depend on the outcome of the accession negotiations. Agriculture is covered under Chapter 11 of the accession negotiations. The chapter had not been opened when the accession negotiations were put on hold in 2013. Substantial work on a negotiating position had been done when the accession negotiations were put on hold. The objective would be to continue to ensure a strong Icelandic agricultural sector grounded in food security, food safety, and regional considerations.It is imperative to ensure sufficient agricultura…

What were Iceland's main negotiating objectives concerning rural development in the EU accession negotiations in 2009 - 2013? Regional development is covered underChapter 22. Negotiations began with the opening of the chapter on 18 December 2012. They had not been concluded when negotiations were put on hold. The 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). SeeChapter 22of the accession negotiations in 2009-2013 on the accession website. See a…

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…