Von Der Leyen in Iceland to Launch Security Talks

European Commission

President von der Leyen visited Iceland last week, to strengthen the EU's close ties with the country and discuss preparedness and defence. As a member of the European Economic Area, Iceland is well integrated into the Single Market. And as the President said, 'We share values, we know each other very well, we are like-minded, so we are close partners.'

One of the main announcements from President von der Leyen's meeting with Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir was the launch of talks on a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement. This allows the EU and Iceland to take further their collaboration on security and defence topics. Iceland already plays a critical and strategic role in NATO's Arctic and North Atlantic posture as emphasised by President von der Leyen during her press conference with Iceland's Prime Minister: 'You are a strong and reliable Ally, I saw this firsthand at Keflavík Air Base. Your preparedness model rests on two solid foundations: NATO membership and the bilateral agreement with the United States. And now we are strengthening and adding another layer to your security model.'

Further, the Commission President praised Iceland's preparedness, stating during the press conference: "It is not just Iceland's renowned beauty that is so impressive; your preparedness mindset is just as striking. As a country with a unique geostrategic position, Iceland has developed a distinct approach to security, resilience, and foresight. You have learnt to live with risk, to manage and master it. (…) In Iceland, preparedness is not just a policy; it is a way of life. Europe has much to learn from Iceland in that respect." She further underlined the whole of society approach Iceland has with voluntary input from each and every one.

During her visit, the President visited the town of Grindavík, where she was able to see firsthand preparedness in action. Indeed, she visited with Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir the specialised protective barriers constructed to safeguard the Blue Lagoon and the Svartsengi power plant – a symbol of the country's preparedness against active volcanos and potential lava flows. The potential for further EU-Iceland cooperation in civil protection and emergency response was discussed. President von der Leyen also met with the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue to discuss Iceland's approach to preparedness in more detail before visiting the Keflavik Airbase, where she was introduced to Iceland's security structure and operations, including the NATO Control and Reporting Centre.

During her visit, the President also pointed out the need to review Europe's Arctic strategy to adapt to climate change and to Russia and China's increasing presence in the region.

Climate was another focus of the visit. President von der Leyen highlighted how the EU and Iceland share interests and cooperate on the issue, particularly ahead of this year's crucial COP30. During the press conference, the President said: "This is the defining challenge of our time, and it is highly visible here in Iceland, where glaciers are losing billions of tonnes of ice each year, and we can definitely see the impact that it has on nature here. Your ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2040 is a strong and necessary signal. It is impressive. Europe is also on the right path to climate neutrality by 2050."

Lastly, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir announced Iceland and the EU reached an agreement on fisheries and ocean affairs focusing on fisheries and ocean governance. The Memorandum of Understanding aims to strengthen collaboration on sustainable fisheries, scientific research, marine conservation, and the energy transition of the fisheries sector. It further reinforces efforts to protect marine biodiversity and includes the establishment of an annual high-level dialogue between the two parties to track progress.

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