News

Responsibility to ensure protection of human rights rests with politicians, says Minister at UNGA

Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, addressed the 68th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30 September 2013

The Fiscal Budget  Proposal for 2014, Medium Term Outlook 2014-2017, October 1st 2013, presentation

Foreign Minister on a new UN Development Framework

Iceland‘s Foreign Minister, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, took part in yesterday‘s special event on achieving the Millienum Development goals and on a new development framework, at the UN General Assembly

Minister welcomes chair of NATO's Military Committee

<p>Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson met yesterday with General Knud Bartels, chairman of NATO‘s Military Committee. At the meeting they discussed the future of the Alliance, the Middle East, NATO air surveillance missions in Iceland, cyber-security and security in the Arctic.</p>

Address by the Prime Minister, Mr Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, at&nbsp; Iceland Investment Forum

<p>Waldorf Hilton Hotel, September 19, 2013.</p>

Foreign Minister discusses trade, security and the Arctic during Canada visit

Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson visited Ottawa Canada on 17-18 September where he met with Canadian officials and representatives of the Canadian business community. The visit is in keeping with the Icelandic Government's emphasis on strengthening the transatlantic relationship

Foreign Minister welcomes agreement on the destruction of chemical weapons

Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson welcomes the agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation on the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria.

EU Membership application discussed in Parliament

<p>The Icelandic Government has a positive and ambitious vision on European issues and wishes to strenghten its relations with the EU without becoming member of the Union, according to Mr Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his oral statement on the EU membership application to the Parliament today.&#160;</p>

Iceland increases assistance to Syrian refugees

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has contributed 50 thousand USD to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, towards their Regional Response Plan for Syrian refugees.

How Safe are We?&nbsp;Conferenceof the Directorate of Health on Patient Safety

„Although we have for years been in a good position by international standards, it must be said that there are issues at hand that must be dealt with.“ Address on behalf of the Minister of Health, Kristján Þór Júlíusson. <br>

Iceland Chairs Open Skies Consultative Commission

<p>Yesterday, Iceland assumed Chairmanship in the Open Skies Consultative Commission (OSCC), based in Vienna. A total of 34 states are parties to the Open Skies Treaty (OST), negotiated in 1992, including the United States, Russia, Canada and several European states.</p>

International community must act on Syria

<p>The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, today took part in a meeting of the Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers in Visby in Sweden. After the meeting the eight ministers expressed grave concern over the use of chemical weapons in Syria</p>

Treasury finances January-July 2013

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances for January-June 2013 are now available.</p>

The Government of Iceland deplores the loss of life and condemns all acts of violence in Egypt

The Government of Iceland deplores the loss of life witnessed in recent weeks in Egypt and has urged the Egyptian Government to do everything possible to prevent further bloodshed. Iceland condems all acts of violence.

Statement by the Government of Iceland on EU threats against the Faroe Islands and Iceland&nbsp;

<p>Iceland is a major stakeholder in relation to the management of various shared fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic. Icelandic fisheries management policy has for many years assured the sustainable utilisation of marine resources, unlike the EU common fisheries policy.</p>

Statement by the Government of Iceland on EU threats against the Faroe Islands and Iceland

<p>Iceland is a major stakeholder in relation to the management of various shared fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic. Icelandic fisheries management policy has for many years assured the sustainable utilisation of marine resources, unlike the EU common fisheries policy.</p>

Statement by the Government of Iceland on EU threats against the Faroe Islands and Iceland&nbsp;

<p>Iceland is a major stakeholder in relation to the management of various shared fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic. Icelandic fisheries management policy has for many years assured the sustainable utilisation of marine resources, unlike the EU common fisheries policy.&#160;</p>

Cooperation and diplomacy, not illegal sanctions, are needed to manage the mackerel stock

<p>In an article published today in The Wall Street Journal Europe Minister Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson outlines Iceland's stance on the mackerel dispute, including key messages around the migration of the mackerel and the need to find a science based solution through diplomatic means. It also stresses Iceland's willingness to negotiate and find a fair solution.</p>

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2013 Article IV Consultation and Third Post Program Monitoring Discussions with Iceland

<p>On August 1, 2013, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation and third Post Program Monitoring discussions with Iceland.</p>

Treasury finances January-June 2013

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances for January-June 2013 are now available.</p>

Statement from Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Iceland's Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture&nbsp;

<p>We are disappointed to see that the EU chose to impose sanctions on the Faroe Islands for its herring fisheries. We don't believe this is best way to settle these types of disagreements between friendly countries.</p>

The Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA)

<p>On the 1st of July 2013, the Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA) became operational. With its establishment, all administration and oversight in the field of transport were combined and tasks formerly conducted by the Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration (ICAA) and the Road Traffic Directorate, as well as all administrative and monitoring tasks by the Icelandic Maritime Administration (IMA)…

Treasury accounts 2012

<p>The results of Treasury accounting for the year 2012 have now been published and the accounts sent to Parliament.</p>

Statement from Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Iceland Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture

<p>Iceland continues to call for a fair, reasonable solution to the dispute over mackerel catch levels.</p>

Brochure on domestic violence

<p>The Ministry of Welfare and municipalities in Suðurnes region have published a brochure entitled <em>Is domestic violence a part of your life?</em> that has been distributed to every home in Suðurnes region. The brochure is a part of a vigilance campaign in Suðurnes region to prevent violence against women.</p>

Treasury Finances January-May 2013

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances for January-May 2013 are now available.</p>

Ban Ki-moon visits Iceland, meets with Foreign Minister

The meeting marked the start of the UN Secretary General's official visit to Iceland. Sustainable use of resources and the impact of climate changes were among issues discussed.

Iceland first country to ratify the UN Arms Trade Treaty

<p>Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Foreign Minister of Iceland, announced today that Iceland had ratified the new UN Arms Trade Treaty, ATT, the first country to ratify this important treat</p>

Consulting Committee deliver it's recommendations regarding á subsea interconnector for electricity between Iceland and Europe to the Minister of Industry and Trade

The committee's mandate was to analyse the economical, technological and environmental aspects along with the legal environment and relevant treaties.

Foreign Minister meets with German counterpart in Berlin

<p>Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Foreign Minister of Iceland, met today &#160;with German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle. In their meeting, the ministers discussed Arctic and security issues, EU and free trade.</p>

Iceland to open Consulate General in Nuuk on 1 July

The main role of the Consulate will be to strengthen the business connection between Iceland and Greenland, to increase cultural relations and tasks related to Artic cooperation.

Iceland elected to FAO Council 2014-2017

<p>Iceland was elected Friday as a member nation to the Food and Agriculture Organization Council, FAO, for 2014 – 2017.</p>

National Cultural Policy

Electronic publication: Gender Equality in Iceland's Development Cooperation and Iceland´s second NAP on implementing UNSCR 1325

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has published two new policy documents; Gender Equality in Iceland´s Development Cooperation and a National Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. Both documents are formulated in line with the Strategy for Iceland´s Development Cooperation 2013-2016, where gender equality and women´s empowerment is emphasised.

Minister Sveinsson meets with UK's Minister for Europe

Foreign minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson met yesterday with UK's Minister for Europe, David Lidington. Minister Sveinsson explained the Icelandic Government's decision to put further accession negotiations with the European Union on hold, and what that entails. &nbsp;Mr.…

Address by Prime Minister, Mr Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, at Austurvöllur, 17 June 2013

<p>"We Icelanders wish to participate in international cooperation and to work with nations all over the world, sharing our experience, knowledge and strengths but at the same time learning from others and benefiting from their strengths."</p>

Sustainable whaling in Icelandic waters

<p>Iceland attaches great importance to the principle of sustainable use of living marine resources as the sustainability of these resources is essential for the long-term prosperity of the country.…

Statement from Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Iceland's Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture

<p>“We were pleased to welcome EU Commissioner Maria Damanaki to Iceland last week to discuss the ongoing debate over mackerel fishing rights in the North Atlantic. At the meeting Iceland expressed its sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible in order to find a fair solution to this dispute ...<br> </p>

Minister Sveinsson meets with Stefan Füle

<p>H.E. Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Iceland‘s Minister for Foreign Affairs, met today in Brussels with Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule. The Minister informed the Commissioner of the decision of Iceland‘s new Government to put Iceland's EU-accession negotiations on hold and not to continue them without a prior referendum.</p>

Minister Sveinsson meets with the NATO Secretary General

<br> Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson visited NATO headquarters in&#160;Brussels today, where he met with the NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh&#160;Rasmussen.

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN - ICELANDIC SAITHE

<p>The management strategy for Iceland saithe is to maintain the exploitation rate at the rate which is consistent with the precautionary approach and that generates maximum sustainable yield (MSY) in the long term.<br> </p>

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN - ICELANDIC HADDOCK

<p>The management strategy for Iceland haddock is to maintain the exploitation rate at the rate which is consistent with the precautionary approach and that generates maximum sustainable yield (MSY) in the long term.</p>

Embassy in Moscow takes over issuing of visas for Iceland

<p>Applications for visas continue to be received at the VFS Global service centres in St. Petersburg and Moscow.</p>

Political Advisor to the Minister

Margrét Gísladóttir has been appointed as a Political Advisor to Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson,&nbsp; Minister for Foreign Affairs

Prime Minister meets with President of Finland

<p>The Prime Minister had a meeting on 29 May with the President of Finland, Mr. Sauli Niinistö, during the Presidents offical visit to Iceland which started on the 28 May.<br> </p>

Treasury Finances January-April 2013

<p>Statistics for Treasury finances for January-April 2013 are now available.</p>

New Icelandic Government takes office

<p>A Government of the Progressive Party and the Independence Party has been formed and took office today. Nine ministers will take seat in the new government, four from the Progressive Party, and five from the Independence Party.&#160;</p>

New Minister for Foreign Affairs

<p>A new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, took office today, replacing Mr. Össur Skarphéðinsson.</p>

New Icelandic Government takes office

<p>A Government of the Progressive Party and the Independence Party has been formed and took office today.</p>

Draft legislation on Financial Stability Council

<p>Draft legislation on the establishment of a Financial Stability Council has been submitted for review on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs‘ website. The draft legislation was prepared by a committee appointed by the Minister in December 2012.</p>