Government splits complicate Iceland's planned EU bid

Jul 12, 2009, 15:01 GMT

Reykjavik - Opposition from five members of Iceland's governing coalition is complicating the government's plans to make a bid for European Union membership this month, reported broadcaster RUV Sunday.

Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir had been counting on the support of all members in her coalition of Social Democrats and Greens. But five members of the Green party have signaled their unwillingness to approve a membership bid.

If they hold firm, that means Sigurdardottir will have to turn to the opposition, which has expressed scepticism about joining the EU for fear of interference with Icelandic fishing rights.

The government remains confident it can pull together a majority to approve the plan. Sigurdardottir has indicated she wants to formally request EU membership at a meeting of EU foreign ministers July 27 in Brussels.

Iceland has long resisted joining the European Union, but Sigurdardottir's government has decided that membership is the best way to stabilize the island's economy after its banking industry collapsed in the autumn under the weight of the financial crisis.

EU officials have said that, if an application is made, Iceland could probably become a full member between 2010 and 2012. Iceland is already a member of the European Economic Area and the border-free Schengen zone, meaning that its legislation is already in line with EU rules in many areas.