Iceland demands sovereign control of fisheries in any EU deal

Iceland has signaled that retaining sovereign control over its fisheries will be a non-negotiable condition for any future European Union membership agreement, as Reykjavík prepares for a closely contested referendum on whether to reopen accession talks with the bloc, Financial Times reports.

Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said Iceland's fishing industry is central to the country's economy and national identity, warning that any failure by Brussels to recognize its importance could jeopardize negotiations.

"When it comes to fisheries, we are a superpower in Europe," Gunnarsdóttir told the Financial Times. "The EU has to take that into account. If they are not doing that, then it will be very difficult for us to negotiate."

The comments highlight a key challenge for the European Union as it seeks to strengthen ties with strategically important Arctic partners amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including US President Donald Trump's repeated calls to annex neighboring Greenland.

Iceland suspended its previous bid to join the EU in 2013 following disagreements over fishing rights, an issue that remains politically sensitive. Under current EU rules, member states retain discretion over distributing national fishing quotas but cede broader authority over catch limits, conservation measures, and access to fishing grounds under the bloc's Common Fisheries Policy.

Gunnarsdóttir insisted Iceland must preserve full authority over its fisheries.

"We have to maintain our sovereign control over all fisheries and of course still have the quota system and quota management," she said.

The European Commission has indicated it is open to discussing tailored arrangements during any future accession negotiations, although EU officials have cautioned that granting a full exemption from the bloc's fisheries policy would be highly unusual.

A Commission spokesperson said accession negotiations are assessed individually.

"No two accession processes are identical. Each candidate country is assessed on its own merits, and negotiations take account of its specific circumstances."

A recent poll published by Icelandic outlet DV found that 53% of voters support reopening EU membership negotiations, while 47% oppose the move. A referendum on whether to resume accession talks is scheduled for August 29, though any eventual membership agreement would require a separate public vote.

Seeking to reassure skeptical voters, Gunnarsdóttir argued that Iceland enters negotiations from a far stronger position than it did during its previous accession attempt, citing the country's robust economy and growing strategic importance.

"We are living a different life here in Iceland than on the mainland in Europe," she said. "Fisheries are part of our national identity... I will not sign an agreement that is not good for Iceland."

Marine products accounted for nearly 40% of Iceland's export value in 2024, underscoring the sector's economic significance.

The foreign minister said Iceland's improved economic standing and increased geopolitical relevance have strengthened its bargaining position with Brussels.

"We are negotiating from a position of strength," Gunnarsdóttir said. "It is definitely a good time for Iceland to negotiate."

By Vafa Guliyeva