Reuters reports that the European Commission intends to recommend next week that the EU begin accession talks with Iceland.
“On Feb. 24, the European Commission will issue its opinion recommending the start of accession negotiations,” the official told Reuters.
While the EU hopes for a speedy process – which could lead to EU membership as early as 2012 – they emphasize that the process hinges on Icesave.
Many Icelanders are against joining the EU, with the majority of representatives of both business and agriculture expressing opposition. Among other concerns is the issue of sovereignty, use of fishing waters, and rising unemployment.
The Reuters article in full can be read here.