Support for joining the European Union has declined, says the Iceland Chamber of Commerce. As previously reported, the group conducted a survey of businesses in Iceland and found that 60% of spokesmen for Icelandic businesses believe the country’s interests are best served staying outside of the European Union. At the same time, only 31% of those polled believe Iceland’s economic situation would improve by joining the European Union.
The Iceland Chamber of Commerce also contends that there is growing uncertainty about the economic situation in Iceland, although most polled support the president’s decision to veto the Icesave law.
Leftist-Green MP Ögmundur Jónasson, who himself has voiced opposition to joining the EU despite the ruling coalition’s platform of wanting to join, was asked in parliament yesterday whether he celebrates yesterday’s news that the EU Commission recommends accession talks with Iceland. Jónasson responded that he has never been more opposed to joining the EU than he is now, but supports the idea of EU membership being put to national referendum.
The ruling coalition parties – Social Democrats and Leftist-Greens – have had separate EU platforms, with the former fully supporting joining, and the latter generally against the idea while believe the matter should be put to referendum.