Talks formally started on Tuesday and are expected to take up to 18 months, EUobserver.com reports. Agreement must be reached by both parts on all EU legislation, which covers 35 different areas, known as chapters, ranging from the justice and home affairs to environment, energy, social and transport policy.
Meanwhile, popular support for membership remains insufficient among Icelanders. An opinion poll from June indicate that 60 percent of the population oppose membership, up from 54 percent in November last year.
Should, however, the crisis-ridden Iceland become member of the union it could give a major boost to the EU’s positions in the High North. With its huge waters, rich fish stocks and strategic location, Iceland is a key state in many Arctic affairs. The country’s membership will inevitably give Brussels a bigger say in the region.
Read also: EU enlargement in North Atlantic
For Iceland, which already is well integrated in EU affairs through the EEA Agreement, membership will give new possibilities to influence EU policies. For Brussels, which is in the process of elaborating an Arctic policy and is pushing for permanent observer status in the Arctic Council, Iceland is a much-wanted member.
Read also: Arctic Council keeps EU in the cold
