Iceland Told By European Parliament To Stop Whaling To Join The EU

The European Parliament has called on Iceland to stop whaling as one of the conditions of its membership of the EU.

On 17 June, EU heads of government decided officially to open accession negotiations with Iceland. The pace and outcome of the talks will depend on Iceland fulfilling a series of requirements that will be set out in a negotiating framework. The European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution on 7 July supporting the start of negotiations but insisting that Iceland cease all whaling and remove its reservations to the International Whaling Commission.

However, Icelandic Fisheries Minister Jon Bjarnason has pledged to resist such demands, telling Icelands Parliament that "We wont bow to threats of any kind."

The full text of the resolution can be downloaded in English on the European Parliament website. (relevant text is on page 620).

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