To join, or not to join?: That is the question! Within this paper I will try to find out if Iceland would, indeed, be better off “staying out of the European Union”, as Iceland’s Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon stated (WSJ Europe 05.05.2011), or joining in, as Iceland’s Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir favours. I will first have a look at the current - economic - situation of the island nation (in context with its latest developments), leaving the detailed examination of the accession controversy for the main part. There, I will analyse the potential advantages and disadvantages that would arise for Iceland with the EU-membership.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Current Situation
- Pros & Cons for Iceland joining the European Union
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the question of whether Iceland should join the European Union, considering the perspectives of both proponents and opponents. It analyzes the current economic situation of Iceland, particularly in the context of the 2008 financial crisis, and assesses the potential benefits and drawbacks of EU membership for the country.
- Iceland's economic situation before and after the 2008 financial crisis
- The potential benefits of EU membership for Iceland's economy and influence
- The potential drawbacks of EU membership, particularly concerning sovereignty and existing agreements
- The debate surrounding Iceland's national identity and its relationship with the EU
- The impact of EU policies, specifically the Common Fisheries Policy and the Common Agriculture Policy, on Iceland
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter poses the central question of whether Iceland should join the European Union, highlighting the differing opinions of key Icelandic political figures. It sets the stage for a detailed examination of Iceland's current economic situation and a subsequent analysis of the potential advantages and disadvantages of EU membership. The chapter establishes the context of the debate and briefly outlines the structure of the paper.
The Current Situation: This chapter provides an overview of Iceland's economic history and its current state. It details the country's reliance on fishing and agriculture, its diversification into other sectors driven by trade agreements, and the significant impact of the 2008 financial crisis. The chapter showcases Iceland's economic trajectory, from a period of high growth and prosperity to a severe downturn and subsequent recovery. The chapter serves as a critical foundation for understanding the context within which the debate about EU membership unfolds, highlighting the fragility of Iceland's economy and the need for stability. The chapter establishes the pre-crisis economic boom and the subsequent dramatic collapse, which directly influenced the debate regarding the EU.
The Pros and Cons for Iceland joining the EU: This chapter presents the arguments for and against Iceland joining the EU. The "pros" include increased influence within the EU, potential adoption of the Euro, economic stabilization, and avoidance of isolation. The "cons" focus on the potential loss of sovereignty, concerns over the Common Fisheries Policy and Common Agriculture Policy, and the potential impact on Iceland's relationship with the United States. This chapter details the complex interplay between economic considerations and national identity, and examines the nuances of sovereignty in the context of Iceland's history and existing international agreements like the EEA. The chapter explores the potential benefits of increased economic integration with Europe, while highlighting anxieties regarding the preservation of Iceland's unique identity and autonomy.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Iceland, European Union, EU membership, economic crisis, sovereignty, Common Fisheries Policy, Common Agriculture Policy, economic stability, national identity, international relations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Iceland and European Union Membership
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the debate surrounding Iceland's potential membership in the European Union. It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured analysis of the topic for academic use.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes revolve around Iceland's economic situation (especially post-2008 financial crisis), the potential benefits and drawbacks of EU membership for Iceland's economy and sovereignty, the impact of EU policies (like the Common Fisheries Policy and Common Agriculture Policy), and the role of national identity in the debate.
What is the main question addressed in the document?
The central question is whether Iceland should join the European Union. The document examines this question by considering arguments from both proponents and opponents of EU membership.
What are the arguments for Iceland joining the EU?
Proponents argue that EU membership would increase Iceland's influence within the EU, potentially lead to the adoption of the Euro, contribute to economic stabilization, and prevent isolation. Increased economic integration with Europe is also highlighted as a potential benefit.
What are the arguments against Iceland joining the EU?
Opponents express concerns about the potential loss of sovereignty, the impact of EU policies like the Common Fisheries Policy and Common Agriculture Policy on Icelandic interests, and the potential negative effects on Iceland's relationship with the United States. Concerns about preserving Iceland's unique national identity and autonomy are also central to the arguments against membership.
How does the document analyze Iceland's economic situation?
The document analyzes Iceland's economic history, focusing on its reliance on fishing and agriculture, its diversification efforts, and the profound impact of the 2008 financial crisis. It highlights the economic trajectory from boom to crisis and subsequent recovery, setting the context for understanding the debate about EU membership.
What role does Iceland's national identity play in the debate?
The debate surrounding Iceland's national identity and its relationship with the EU is a significant theme. The document explores the complex interplay between economic considerations and the preservation of Iceland's unique cultural and political identity and autonomy.
What is the structure of the document?
The document is structured with an introduction, a chapter outlining Iceland's current economic situation, a chapter detailing the pros and cons of EU membership, and a conclusion. Each chapter is summarized, and the document also provides a table of contents and a list of keywords.
What are some key terms related to this topic?
Key terms include Iceland, European Union, EU membership, economic crisis, sovereignty, Common Fisheries Policy, Common Agriculture Policy, economic stability, national identity, and international relations.
- Citation du texte
- Arina T (Auteur), 2011, Should Iceland join the European Union?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/190054
