April 27 (Reuters) - Iceland's Social Democrats and Left-Greens hope to agree within days on a coalition government after winning an election, and face a decision on whether to seek membership of the European Union.
Here are some details about Iceland's possible path towards joining the EU.
PROSPECTS OF ENTRY
- EU diplomats say an application by Iceland would probably be looked on favourably by member states, whose approval is required for Iceland to join the bloc, despite concerns about the pace and extent of enlargement in many countries.
- EU officials have held out the prospect of something akin to a fast track process, possible enabling Iceland to enter the bloc from around 2011, but have also said it would be treated on its merits, not as a special case.
DIVISIONS OVER MEMBERSHIP
- Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, a Social Democrat, wants to start negotiations quickly on EU membership and then have a referendum on the issue. She says membership would boost economic stability and launching a membership drive would be a signal of confidence to international investors. Iceland could adopt the euro within four years if it joins the EU, she says.
- But agreement on seeking EU accession remains elusive. The Left-Greens have opposed EU entry, and the population is split. The fishing lobby also has reservations. Sigurdardottir has described reaching agreement as "the hardest thing we have to find a solution to" in coalition talks.
- One obstacle could be the need for Iceland to sign up to the EU's centralised fisheries policy -- something it may resist given its jealously guarded control of its seas, full of cod, haddock, herring and other lucrative catches.
- Until the economic crisis that brought down the previous government, Icelanders tended to be sceptical about the EU, fearing Brussels could interfere with the fishing and energy industries. Support for accession surged when the economic crisis worsened but has fallen since then.
- Close ties with the United States during the Cold War have kept membership off the agenda in the past.
PROCEDURES
- Any European country that respects the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law may apply to become a member.
- A valid application for membership triggers a sequence of EU evaluation procedures. "The speed with which each country advances depends solely on its own progress towards our common goals," states the European Commission on its website.
- The European Commission provides a formal opinion on the applicant country, and the European Council, grouping the EU states, decides whether to accept the application.
- Once the EU Council unanimously agrees a negotiating mandate, negotiations may be formally opened between the candidate and all the Member States.
- A "screening report" is then drawn up for the applicant country and each area of legislation ("chapter"), as a basis for further negotiations.
- Negotiations take place at various levels -- among experts, permanent representatives for EU countries, chief negotiators and ministers. The European Commission is consulted during the process. (Reporting by Mark John and Timothy Heritage)