Iceland’s position with respect to retaliation against customs
The Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristún Frosttir, spoke with Euronews and reaffirmed his government’s decision not to impose customs retaliation stations to the United States in response to the escalation of commercial tensions. Frosttir has made it clear that Iceland will not get involved in a commercial war, underlining its commitment to free trade, despite the pressure of increasing the customs agenda.
“Let’s not retaliate with our own customs agenda. We believe in free trade. We are a small economy,” he exclaims. “We hope that these customs guidelines fall.”
Concern for climbing commercial tensions
The Trump administration announced a 90 -day break on the customs agenda that imposed most countries, with a White House employee that confirms last night that the rest of the EU is due to the fact that the retaliation customs stations have not yet entered into force, including Iceland, will continue to be subject to the base rate of 10 % that entered the force on April 5. However, sincere, Frostadirir was very worried about the possible reperios in the islands. EU.
“We fear a rise in this customs war and that repercussions can affect our commercial relations with the EU,” he said. “And it is very important that they know that for our future relationships and also to maintain open supply chains, we are part of the process.”
EU position support against the United States
The prime minister also agreed with the need for the EU to demonstrate “strength” in the United States, but emphasized the importance of ensuring that retaliation measures do not harm neighboring countries, including Iceland.
“We also need a clear message from the EU that respects the relationship with its main business partners,” said Frostadóttir. “It is important that the EU shows that we are truly partners in the domestic market and that trade will not be affected.”
The historical relationship of Iceland with the EU
Frosttar emphasized the positive and long data of Iceland with the EU, noting that the country has always assumed its responsibilities within the European Economic Space (EEE). The prime minister emphasized that this continuous association is vital for the economic stability and the future of Iceland.
“I think it is important that the EU shows that we are truly partners in the domestic market and that trade will not be affected,” he added.
Evolution of the political approach: from internal matters to international matters
Speaking about his political course, Frosttir was reflected on how attention to internal problems, such as social democratic policies, social security, housing and economics, evolved in response to the growing importance of international relations.
“My approach during the campaign was more or less domestic, but international politics has become a relevant issue, and it is something we have to get involved when we take a position like this,” he said. “I think it is very important to bring to the international sphere what we initially brought to this government and the party I am part, the public participation. During the campaign, I had a platform in which it was possible to speak directly with people and not only on social networks. We made trips throughout the country, they held open meetings.”
Public participation in international relations
For Frosttar, this practical and transparent approach to governance must also be extended to the international relations of Iceland.
“You cannot add something that happens in bureaucratic institutions abroad, far from us,” he said. “It also has to be of the public domain. And this will be the biggest challenge, to make security in Iceland a specific problem of daily families. And that is where we are working at this time.”
Referendum scheduled for 2027
The deep changes that are shaking the geopolitical order, from the invasion of Russia of Ukraine to the commercial war of Donald Trump, will influence the Iceland plan to make an EU adhesion by 2027, Prime Minister Kristrún Frosttir, emphasizing the need to take a “balanced” debate on this crucial decision.
“Before 2027, we want to realize whether the nation wants His first official visit to Brussels On Wednesday.
“My biggest concern is that we cannot have a solid debate about the meaning of resuming negotiations, there is a polarized debate on the subject.”
ADVERTISINGWhen asked if Iceland would feel safer within the Union, the prime minister said that the country is already safe “where it is now” and suggested that deliberations on the fulfillment of a broader range of issues such as commerce, economy, finance and culture.
