Gallagher, MEP: Iceland is ready but negotiations will be tough

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP, who is Chair of the European Parliament delegation to Iceland reacted today to the European Commission decision to proceed with Icelandic membership of the EU:



"In July 2009, the EU leaders asked the European Commission to draw up an evaluation as to whether Iceland should become a member of the European Union. The European Commission has answered yes to this question. I welcome this decision."



Iceland is a member of the European Free Trade Association since 1970 and a member of the European Economic Area since 1994. As a result of EEA membership, it has already completed 22 out of the 35 accession chapters of negotiation. The remaining chapters to be concluded relate to agriculture, fisheries, structural funds, external relations, regional policy and budgetary matters.



"It is now up to the EU leaders to give the formal go ahead to open up the accession negotiations. These accession negotiations should take place in a spirit of friendship and cooperation but like all accession procedures these negotiations will undoubtedly be tough."



ENDS