Speaking at the 61st meeting of the Nordic Council in Stokkholm, Sweden today, Icelandic PM Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir told attendees that Iceland would focus on increased democracy and transparency, as a member state of the EU.
“Iceland will, in the Nordic spirit, work with those countries that want to increase democratic work methods and transparency within the EU,” she said in part, “We will give human rights and the welfare of all special emphasis, not least of all with regards to minorities.”
Sigurðardóttir also stressed that Iceland wants to be “a responsible member of the EU”, actively taking part. She added that fishing rights and sustainability would always be primary issues among Icelanders, thereby contributing to the spirit of environmentalism.
Of special importance as well, she said, was Iceland’s attitude of cooperation with other countries. “Even though Iceland joins the EU,” she said in part, “they will not forget their friends and neighbors, because in the end, we all share the same living standard.”