Iceland’s Foreign Minister Says Country Must Avoid Dependence on a Single Great Power

Foreign Minister Þórgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir told broadcaster RÚV that Iceland should not be dependent on any one great power. She linked the discussion to possible EU membership, defence cooperation with the United States, and the strategic attention of China, Russia, and the EU on the Arctic region.

She noted that while the EEA agreement remains valuable, the international environment in 2026 differs from 1994, with increasing emphasis on security, tariffs and defence spending. Þórgerður stressed the need for Iceland to broaden its defence partnerships, maintain NATO ties, and diversify diplomatic contacts beyond a single bloc. The minister also clarified that the upcoming national referendum on EU relations is intended to gather information, not to decide on accession in August.