European Parliament adopts opinion on Iceland’s application for membership of the Eu - Cope

"Iceland is uniquely placed to proceed quickly with negotiations as she has already adopted a significant part of the Community acquis due to its membership of the EEA."

"That said, over 35 different aspects of EU policy is to be concluded including in the area of competition policy, financial services, agriculture, fisheries, transport, economic and monetary policy, issues related to the judiciary and foreign and defence policy."

"As Chairman of the European Parliament delegation for relations with the EEA, I strongly believe that aside from the political negotiations that will now commence, it is of equal importance to further improve the political and civil society dialogue between the European Union and Iceland."

"By tradition, accession negotiations are an open ended process with progress dependent on the good faith of both sides. That is why for example, it is important that the Ice-save issue remains a bilateral affair."

"My simple recommendation to the Icelandic people who may be apprehensive is to await the final outcome before taking up fixed positions."