Iceland and Montenegro's Joint EU Entry Sparks Symbolic Shift

Iceland's shift towards EU membership has been a gradual one, with recent international events playing a significant role. For decades, the country was divided into three almost equal parts - those in favor of sovereignty and independence, those in favor of joining the EU, and an undecided third.

The Covid pandemic, Russian aggression against Ukraine, Chinese ambitions in the North Pole, Trump's presidency, galloping inflation, and the UK's exit from the EU have all contributed to Iceland moving closer to the EU than ever before. The issue of joining the EU is not economic for Reykjavik, but rather strategic.

Iceland can close negotiations with the EU within a few months, given its already being part of the Single Market and the Schengen Agreement. This joint entry into the EU by Iceland and Montenegro holds significant symbolism, as it marks a return to the European fast track for Montenegro.