The European Commission has once again delayed its final decision regarding protective measures for silicon metal, signaling that Norway and Iceland are unlikely to receive exemptions from these measures.
This topic was front and center during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Alþingi earlier today, attended by Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. She conveyed a sense of ambiguity surrounding the matter, highlighting that repeated postponements suggest the arguments put forth by Iceland and Norway are resonating with other EU member states.
“Such delays are quite uncommon,” Þorgerður Katrín noted, emphasizing that they indicate active discussions among EU member countries. She expressed concern that the matter at hand touches on fundamental changes to the EEA Agreement, which she believes are being overlooked.
“As Icelanders, this is a significant issue for us,” she stated, revealing that the ministry has been intensely engaged in communications over this matter, both during the weekend and today. “We’ve had numerous conversations, and we’re fully utilizing today to safeguard Icelandic interests in collaboration with Norway,” she added.
### Preparing for Action
Should the European Union uphold its protective measures, Þorgerður assured that Iceland is poised to respond. “We have prepared for the possible course of action we might take if the decision turns against us. We discussed this confidentially in advance and briefed the committee accordingly. Ultimately, the clarity of our next steps will depend on the final decision, and I’m still hopeful for a favorable outcome,” she remarked.
### Uncertainty Surrounding the Delay
While the reason for the postponement remains unclear, Björn Malmquist, RÚV’s Brussels correspondent, offered some perspective during the noon news. He suggested that the recent arguments from the Norwegian and Icelandic governments may be influencing the timeline.
“The executive board presented its proposal last Tuesday, originally set for a decision on Friday. It was postponed to today, then again until tomorrow. I learned early this morning that the decision had been delayed yet again,” Björn explained.
The decision will ultimately be made by a special committee within the Commission, which consists of representatives from all 27 member states. To reach a conclusive vote, at least 15 countries representing 65% of the EU’s population must agree.
“It’s important to note that the vote is not specifically about exemptions for Norway and Iceland; it’s about the broader proposal regarding protective measures. The exact dynamics of the situation remain somewhat murky,” he noted, adding that sources indicate Sweden has been advocating on behalf of both countries, while other nations have abstained from voting altogether.
