Warming up for the EU. Iceland and European Integration

An Analysis of the Factors Contributing to the Changing Perception of Iceland’s Political Elites Toward Membership in the European Union

Master's Thesis , 2010 , 93 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Politics - Topic: European Union

The overall aim of this work is to analyze and explain the change of behavior of the Icelandic political elites toward European integration, with specific focus on the domestic and external, political and economic developments that contributed to this change and eventually led to Iceland’s EU accession bid in 2009. To this end, the author has chosen to specifically focus on the time period from the outbreak of the financial crisis in Iceland in 2008 to the day of Iceland’s official EU application in July 2009. Nevertheless, historical developments that are relevant for properly explaining Iceland’s behavior toward European integration have been included where appropriate.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theoretical Framework and Methodological Approach
  • 2.1 Development of European Integration: Why States Seek EU Membership
  • 2.2 Why States Give up Sovereignty: the Broad Field of European Integration Theory
  • 2.3 Social Constructivism and the Construction of Identities
    • 2.3.1 "We": Iceland and Norden
    • 2.3.2 "We": the Icelandic Nation-State
  • 2.4 Small States and European Integration
  • 2.5 The Political Elites and Continuity and Change in Nation-State Identity
  • 2.6 EU Membership and the Diffusion of Norms
  • 2.7 Methodological Approach
• 3. The Icelandic Nation-state
  • 3.1 A Short Historical and Geo-demographical Introduction
  • 3.2 The Icelandic Political System
  • 3.3 The Icelandic Economy
• 4. Iceland in European Associations
  • 4.1 EFTA: Approaching the Union in Economic Terms
  • 4.2 EEA: Accepting 80 Percent of EU Legislation – Why Not Join The EU Instead?
  • 4.3 Schengen: Deeply Involved in the European Project – Still No EU Application
• 5. Contemplating EU Membership: The Years 2008-2009
  • 5.1 Economic Factors Leading to the Reconsideration of the Icelandic Social Order
  • 5.2 Domestic Factors Leading to the Reconsideration of the Icelandic Social Order
  • 5.3 Government Constellations in Flux: The Social Democrat's Way to Power
  • 5.4 Parliamentary Elections April 2009: It's All About EU Membership
  • 5.5 A New Government with a New Vision on EU Integration
  • 5.6 The New Government: Fighting Recession and Restoring Public Confidence
  • 5.7 Interest Groups' Opinions on EU Membership
    • 5.7.1 The Influence of the Icelandic Fishing Industry on Iceland's EU Policy
    • 5.7.2 The Left Wing Government's Stand on Fisheries
    • 5.7.3 CFP Reform: Not Such a Menace after All?
  • 5.8 The Icelandic Public Opinion on EU Membership
• 6. The EU's Opinion on Iceland's Membership Bid
  • 6.1 Adopting EU Rules and Regulations: Sensitive Issues in the Negotiating Process
  • 6.2 The Icesave Issue and its Impact on Iceland's EU Accession Bid

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to analyze the shift in the Icelandic political elite's stance towards European integration, specifically focusing on the domestic and external factors that led to Iceland's 2009 EU accession bid. The timeframe concentrates on the period from the 2008 financial crisis to the application. Relevant historical context is also included.

• The role of Iceland's political elites in shaping EU integration policy.
• The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on Iceland's decision-making process.
• The influence of domestic factors (public opinion, interest groups) on the issue.
• The interplay between Iceland's national identity and European integration.
• The position of the European Union regarding Iceland's membership bid.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting Iceland's unique position as the only Nordic country without an official EU membership application before 2009. It emphasizes the historical significance of Icelandic independence and sovereignty in shaping its foreign policy and introduces the central research question: what caused the shift in the Icelandic political elite's attitude towards EU integration, culminating in the 2009 application? The chapter establishes the timeframe of the study (2008-2009) and briefly mentions the inclusion of relevant historical context.

2. Theoretical Framework and Methodological Approach: This chapter lays out the theoretical foundation for the analysis. It discusses the broader theories of European integration, explaining why states seek EU membership and the implications of ceding sovereignty. The chapter introduces social constructivism as a lens for understanding the construction of national identity in the context of Iceland's relationship with both Norden and Europe. It also delves into the specific challenges faced by small states in navigating European integration. The methodological approach to be used in the research is detailed here.

3. The Icelandic Nation-state: This chapter provides essential background on Iceland, offering a concise historical overview, a geographical and demographic profile, and a description of its political system and economy. These elements establish the context for understanding Iceland's unique position and the internal dynamics shaping its interaction with the European Union. It provides a groundwork for understanding the country's historical, political and economic realities.

4. Iceland in European Associations: This chapter examines Iceland's participation in various European associations, including EFTA and EEA, and its involvement in the Schengen Area. It analyzes how these memberships influenced Iceland's relationship with the EU, paving the way for a future application. It contrasts Iceland's significant economic engagement with the EU through these agreements with its continued reluctance to apply for full membership, highlighting the complexities inherent in Iceland's approach to European integration.

5. Contemplating EU Membership: The Years 2008-2009: This chapter forms the core of the thesis, focusing on the period from the 2008 financial crisis to Iceland's 2009 EU membership application. It examines the economic and domestic factors which led to a reevaluation of the Icelandic social order and the subsequent shift in political elites' views on EU membership. The chapter also includes an analysis of the governmental shifts, public opinion, the role of interest groups (particularly the fishing industry), and the changing political climate surrounding the EU application.

6. The EU's Opinion on Iceland's Membership Bid: This chapter explores the European Union's perspective on Iceland's membership bid, examining the challenges and complexities involved in the potential accession process. It analyzes the sensitive issues likely to emerge in negotiations, including the adoption of EU rules and regulations, and the impact of specific events like the Icesave issue on Iceland's application.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Iceland, European Union, European Integration, Small States, Sovereignty, National Identity, Political Elites, Public Opinion, Interest Groups, Financial Crisis, EFTA, EEA, Schengen, Accession Bid.

Frequently Asked Questions: Iceland's 2009 EU Accession Bid

What is the main topic of this text?

This text analyzes the shift in Iceland's political elite's stance towards European integration, specifically focusing on the domestic and external factors that led to Iceland's 2009 EU accession bid. It examines the period from the 2008 financial crisis to the application, incorporating relevant historical context.

What are the key themes explored in this text?

Key themes include the role of Iceland's political elites, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, the influence of domestic factors (public opinion and interest groups), the interplay between Icelandic national identity and European integration, and the EU's position on Iceland's membership bid.

What is the structure of the text?

The text is structured into six chapters: An introduction, a chapter on the theoretical framework and methodology, a chapter on the Icelandic nation-state, a chapter on Iceland's involvement in European associations (EFTA, EEA, Schengen), a core chapter focusing on the period 2008-2009 leading up to the accession bid, and finally, a chapter on the EU's perspective on Iceland's bid.

What theoretical framework is used?

The text utilizes social constructivism to understand the construction of national identity within the context of Iceland's relationship with Norden and Europe. It also draws on broader theories of European integration to explain why states seek EU membership and the implications of surrendering sovereignty.

What methodological approach is employed?

The text details the methodological approach used in the research within Chapter 2, although the specific methods aren't explicitly listed in this preview.

What is the significance of the 2008 financial crisis?

The 2008 financial crisis is a pivotal event in the narrative, presented as a major catalyst for the reevaluation of Iceland's social order and the subsequent shift in the political elite's view on EU membership.

What role did domestic factors play in Iceland's decision?

Domestic factors, including public opinion and the influence of interest groups (particularly the fishing industry), are examined as crucial elements shaping Iceland's decision to pursue EU membership.

How did the EU view Iceland's membership bid?

The text explores the EU's perspective on Iceland's bid, highlighting the challenges and complexities of the potential accession process, including the adoption of EU rules and the impact of specific events like the Icesave issue.

What is the significance of Iceland's national identity in this context?

The text examines the interplay between Iceland's national identity and its pursuit of European integration, exploring how these seemingly conflicting forces interacted in the decision-making process.

What are the key words associated with this text?

Keywords include: Iceland, European Union, European Integration, Small States, Sovereignty, National Identity, Political Elites, Public Opinion, Interest Groups, Financial Crisis, EFTA, EEA, Schengen, Accession Bid.

• College: University of Hannover (Institut für Politische Wissenschaft)
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Julia Kaute (Author)
• Publication Year: 2010
• Pages: 93
• Catalog Number: V162390
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640767458
• ISBN (Book): 9783640767472
• Language: English
• Tags: Island, Iceland, European Integration, Europäische Integration, Economic Crisis, Wirtschaftskrise, Norden, Nördische Länder, Skandinavien, Scandinavia, EU, Europäische Kommission, European Commission, European Parliament, Europäisches Parlament, Rat der EU, EU Beitritt, EU Erweiterung, EU Enlargement, Public Opinion, Öffentliche Meinung, Interessengruppen, Interest Groups, Social Constructivism, Sozialer Konstruktivismus, Liberal Intergovernmentalism, Liberaler Intergouvernementalismus, Small States, Kleinstaaten, Political Elites, Politische Eliten, Nationalstaat, Nation, Nation-State, Diffusion of Norms, EFTA, EEA, Schengen, EU Membership, Economy, Fischereipolitik, Fischerei, Fishing Industry, CFP, EU Policy, Membership Bid, EU Beitrittsgesuch, Icesave, Social Democrats, Sozialdemokraten, Independence party, Unabhängigkeitspartei, Left Greens, Sigurdardottir, Haarde, Korruption, Corruption, Transparency, Council of the EU, EU Vertrag, Copenhagen Criteria, Kopenhagen Kriterien