Iceland could lose national control over its fisheries if the country joins the European Union, according to Icelandic political scientist Hannes Hólmsteinn Gissurarson, ahead of a planned referendum on EU membership talks.
In a debate article, Gissurarson warned that the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy falls under EU exclusive competence. He argued that member states do not hold veto rights over fisheries decisions, including policies that may affect national fishing interests.
Fisheries Policy Under Pressure
Gissurarson said Iceland should study the EU fisheries framework carefully before taking any new steps towards EU membership. He highlighted fisheries as a key issue in the Icelandic debate. He pointed to Norway as an example of a country where opposition to EU membership has long been linked to fisheries policy.
He also referred to earlier disputes between Iceland and the EU over mackerel quotas. According to the article, the conflict emerged after mackerel stocks moved north into Icelandic waters.
Concerns Over EU Costs
Beyond fisheries, Gissurarson also raised concerns about the economic impact of EU membership. He claimed Iceland’s net contribution to the EU budget could reach at least DKK 30 billion annually, equivalent to around EUR 4 billion.
He argued that Iceland already has access to the European single market through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement. He also warned that leaving the EU later could prove difficult if Iceland chose to reverse course.
Referendum Scheduled for August
The debate comes ahead of a planned referendum on 28 August on whether Iceland should reopen its EU membership application process. Fisheries are expected to remain a central issue in the campaign.