OPINION:
“As other countries eye exit, Iceland debates joining EU” (Web, Feb. 23) wrongly depicts Iceland as an unstable country with a weak economy that wants to join the EU to “bring a measure of normality back” to its people.
Despite persistent conversations about EU membership in Iceland’s political circles, the idea faces strong opposition from the public. Therefore it should come as no surprise that Iceland’s current coalition government would agree to a vote in Parliament on the issue but have little expectation of it being passed.
Stories about Iceland’s economy struggling are also far from true. After the financial crisis in 2008, we carefully managed our economic recovery, which has resulted in a GDP that is now larger than ever and an economy that is predicted to grow 10 percent year-on-year. Iceland’s tourism, sustainable fisheries and geothermal industries are booming, providing a strong backbone to our diverse economy.
Further, I can assure you that the Independence Party, which the article says is out of power, is certainly not. It is the largest party in the coalition government, and as it happens Prime Minister Benediktsson and Foreign Minister Thordarson are both members of that party.
BORGAR THOR EINARSSON
Political adviser to the Icelandic minister for foreign affairs
Reykjavik, Iceland
Please read our comment policy before commenting.