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Iceland To Become EU Member by 2011

Efforts to save the flailing economy of Iceland may include a fast-track to European Union membership, says EU commissioner Olli Rehn.

“The EU prefers two countries joining at the same time rather than individually,” Rehn said during an interview with the Guardian. “If Iceland applies shortly and the negotiations are rapid, Croatia and Iceland could join the EU in parallel. On Iceland, I hope I will be busier. It is one of the oldest democracies in the world and its strategic and economic positions would be an asset to the EU.”

Talks about an Icelandic referendum on EU membership were set aside by Iceland’s new Red-Green coalition government. The Social Democrat Alliance favors EU membership while the Left Green Movement is against it.

A January 18 Capacent Gallup poll shows that 38.3 percent of Icelanders favoring EU membership and 37.7 percent are against it.

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3 comments

By NewsGuy – January 31, 2009

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Continuing the Discussion

  1. Norway To "Buy" Iceland? | The Right Perspective linked to this post on February 4, 2009

    [...] Norway, which last controlled Iceland in the 14th century through the Kalmar federation, may seek to take control of the island nation again as a preventive measure against its joining the European Union. [...]

  2. Iceland-EU Fast-Track Comments “Bad Timing” | The Right Perspective linked to this post on February 5, 2009

    [...] criticized EU commissioner Olli Rehn, calling Rehn’s statement that Iceland would likely be fast-tracked into European Union membership by 2011 “bad [...]

  3. European Union Rift Over Iceland | The Right Perspective linked to this post on February 6, 2009

    [...] called Rehn’s statement to The Guardian that Iceland would become an EU member by 2011 “bad timing” that could not only jeopardize the application process but the [...]

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