News

Prime Ministers Address to the nation on June 17, the National Day of Iceland

The Prime Minister addressed the nation on June 17, the National Day of Iceland at Austurvollur outside Parliament. In this annual address the Prime Minister discussed the current economic situation and the future of independence in an ever more interdependent world.

PTA - Statistics report for 2008 published

The Post and Telecom Administration in Iceland has published its Annual Report for 2008. The report gives a clear and accessible overview of PTA´s role and operations in that year.

Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Nordic Countries

Declaration from the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affaris of the Nordic Countries in Reykjavik 8-9 June 2009

Nordic Foreign Ministers meet in Reykjavik

<p dir=ltr>The five Ministers will discuss the Stoltenberg report on Nordic foreign and security policy cooperation and international issues</p>

Joint statement on Icesave

The Netherlands and UK Governments have signed agreements with the Iceland Compensation Scheme to reimburse UK and the Netherlands for monies paid to eligible depositors in the Dutch and UK branches of Icesave.

Climate change and its possible security implications

<p align=justify>Statement by the Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations, Ambassador Gunnar Pálsson.</p>

The status of capitalisation of the New Banks

The Ministry of Finance together with representatives of the New Banks and its advisers will be meeting with the Resolution Committees and their advisers during this week to commence the formal negotiations in order to conclude the capitalisation of the New Banks and the agreement of compensation for the Old Banks.

Foreign minister visits Malta, discusses EU

<p>Ossur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs has today and yesterday visited Malta where he met with Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Foreign Minister Tonio Borg.</p>

Statement by the IMF Mission to Iceland

<p>A mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), headed by Mark Flanagan, visited Reykjavik May 19-28 to continue discussions for the first review under the US$2.1 billion Stand-By Arrangement, approved on November 19, 2008 (see Press Release No. 08/256).</p>

IMF First Review of Economic Recovery Programme Near Completion

The IMF Mission to Iceland under the direction of Mark Flanagan has, in co-operation with Icelandic authorities, has made considerable progress towards concluding its first review of the government?s Economic Recovery Programme underlying its Stand-by Arrangement with Iceland.

Treasury finances January-April 2009

Figures for Treasury finances in the first four months of 2009 are now available. Total Treasury revenue amounted to 151 billion, decreasing by 10 billion or -5.9%

A proposal for a parliamentary resolution on application for accession to the European Union

<p>The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ossur Skarphedinsson, will put forward a proposal for a parliamentary resolution on application</p>

Foreign Minister strongly condemns North Korea's nuclear test

<p>The Icelandic Government's clear position is against any use of nuclear weapons or actions likely to promote proliferation.</p>

Icelandic Embassies will be point of contact for tourism related information

The Icelandic Foreign Service, the Trade Council of Iceland and the Icelandic Tourist Board increase cooperation.

Foreign Minister participates in the EEA Council meeting

<p>The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ossur Skarphedinsson also met with Ministerial colleagues and representatives of the European Commission.</p>

Government Coalition Platform of the Social Democratic Alliance and Left-Green Movement

<p>The government coalition of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Left-Green Movement has been formed to ensure economic and social stability, and to seek national unity on Iceland's path to reconstruction - a new stability pact.</p>

Iceland donates 5 million IKR in emergency relief in Sri Lanka

<p>Ossur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, urges the Government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers to ensure that the civilian population is protected in the fighting.</p>

Debt statistics, May 2009

Central government debt, claims and cash at hand 1997-2009, May 2009.

Iceland responds to UK Treasury Select Committee&#39;s report in a letter to MPs

Iceland&#39;s Ambassador in London has sent a letter, on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphéðinsson, to all Members of the United Kingdom Parliament

The First 100 Days Planned Actions

The government has drafted an agenda for the next 100 days, listing the urgent measures which need to be taken to tackle the difficult economic situation, for the benefit of households and businesses.

The President approves of the Prime Minister&#39;s second government

At a meeting of the State Council of Iceland at Bessastaðir today President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson agreed to the proposal of Mrs. Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, regarding the formation and composition of her second government.

Government Coalition Co-operation Statement by the Social Democratic Alliance and Left-Green Movement

The government coalition of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Left-Green Movement has been formed to ensure economic and social stability, and to seek national unity on Iceland&#39;s path to reconstruction - a new stability pact.

New Government Takes Office - Social Democrats and Left-Greens Continue their Coalition Partnership

A new coalition government, formed by the Social Democrat Alliance and the Left-Green Movement, formally announced today at a press conference held at the Nordic House in Reykjavik, will continue the two parties&#39; partnership. Following the outcome of national elections two weeks ago, these parties now hold a majority of seats in the Icelandic parliament, Althingi.

Icelandic Foreign Minister makes a formal complaint on British PM's comments

<p>The Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ossur Skarphedinsson, today made a formal complaint on comments made by the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, during a session of Parliamentary question time</p>

Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings

The Icelandic Action plan against trafficking in human beings was presented before the Althingi in its 136th legislative session.

Treasury finances January-March 2009

Figures for Treasury finances in the first three months of 2009 are now available. Total Treasury revenue amounted to 122 billion, decreasing by 6 billion or -5,0%

Report by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphéðinsson

Excerpt from a report by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphéðinsson, on foreign and international affairs, presented to the Alþingi during the 136th session of the legislative assembly 2008-2009.

Icelandic Press Officer to join UNICEF in Sudan

The Icelandic Crisis Response Unit has deployed a press officer, Mr. Steinar Sveinsson, for two months, to UNICEF in Sudan.

The Commission on Developments in Europe concluded its work

The Commission on Developments in Europe concluded its work today and delivered a report in accordance with the tasking contained in the government´s programme of action.

Iceland comments on EC proposals for restructuring of financial markets supervision in Europe

Iceland has sent the European Commission comments on the Commission?s proposals on addressing the financial meltdown and the actions necessary to remedy the crisis.

Code of Conduct for the Foreign Service

<p>This is the first Code of Conduct to be issued by an Icelandic Ministry, though the Government has recently set up a working group to establish a general Code of Conduct for the civil service as a whole.</p>

Iceland and Dominica to cooperate on geothermal energy

Iceland and the Commonwealth of Dominica have signed a memorandum of understanding on geothermal energy cooperation.

Culture - The Arts, The National Cultural Heritage, Broadcasting, Language Policy, Sports and Youth Activities

Iceland's FM and US President discuss geothermal energy

<p>President Obama designates a special contact for Iceland on cooperation in the field of geothermal energy</p>

Iceland's Foreign Minister concerned regarding N-Korea's missile launch

<p>The Icelandic Foreign Minister fully supports calls from the international community that North-Korea respects its international commitments and engages in talks with other states.</p>

NATO summit welcomes Iceland's initiative on the High North

<p>Iceland's Foreign Minister urges NATO to increase its role in the High North but cautions against increased military presence in the area.</p>

UK Treasury Committe publishes report on failure of Icelandic Banks

The Treasure Committe of the House of Commons has published a report examining the consequences of the failure of the Icelandic banks in October 2008. The report is the first in a series on the Banking Crisis.

Icelandic UN Permanent representative chairs a session on weapons of mass destruction

The Permanent Representative of Iceland to the UN chairs a session at an IPI Seminar on Weapons of Mass Destruction

Respect for human rights essential when rebuilding Afghanistan.

Iceland reaffirms its support to international assistance to Afghanistan at an international conference in the Hague.

Treasury finances January-February 2009

Figures for Treasury finances in the first two months of 2009 are now available. Total Treasury revenue amounted to 91 billion, decreasing by 6 billion or -6.2%

Foreign Minister attending NATO anniversary Summit

Iceland&#39;s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ossur Skarphedinsson, will attend the 60th anniversary NATO Summit,

Amendment to Customs Act and Act on Foreign Exchange

Amendment to the Customs Act, No. 88/2005, and Act No. 87/1992, on Foreign Exchange, as subsequently amended. On 28 November last year, the Icelandic parliament Althingi approved amendments to the Foreign Exchange Act intended to prevent major depreciation of the Icelandic króna (ISK).…

Principal tax rates 2009

This paper describes the principal tax rates applicable to individuals and companies as they stand at the beginning of 2009.

Working Group Considers Recommendations by Banking Expert

At a cabinet meeting on 31 March, Iceland?s government discussed a report presented on 30 March by Finnish banking expert Kaarlo Jännäri.

Foreign Ministers of Iceland and UK meet in London

The Icelandic Foreign Minister, Mr Ossur Skarphedinsson, and the Foreign Secretary, Mr David Miliband MP, met in London on 31 March 2009

The Kaarlo Jännäri Report on Banking Regulation and Supervision in Iceland Recommendations and Conclusions

In November 2008, as part of its Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund, the Icelandic Government undertook to invite an experienced bank supervisor to assess the regulatory framework and supervisory practices in Iceland and to propose needed changes.

Increased cooperation in promoting Iceland and Icelandic products

Cooperation Agreement between the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Icelandic Tourist Board and the Trade Council of Iceland on <em>Promote Iceland</em>

Report on Nordic Development and Humanitarian Programmes

A report on Nordic development and humanitarian programmes in Afghanistan has been published

Government to Implement Eva Joly's recommendations on the Office of Special Prosecutor

At a cabinet meeting on 24 March, the Minister of Justice presented plans for substantially boosting financial allocations to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which was set up to investigate matters concerning the collapse of the financial system.

Deflation in March, Consumer Price Index decreases

According to figures from Statistics Iceland, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped by 0.56% MoM in March. The 12M inflation rate which was 17.6% in February is now 15.2% and the 12-month rate of the increase in the past three months is only 1.9%.