Iceland

In this week’s newsletter: After Trump’s interventions over Greenland, there are many in Iceland who believe they would be stronger in the EU. But will its recent history of independence win out?• Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereAs the UK marks the tenth anniversary of its fateful Brexit referendum next Tuesday, Iceland is fast approaching its moment of truth about the EU – albeit from the opposite direction.On 29 August, Icelanders will be asked whether or not to they want to come back to the table with Brussels for negotiations about joining the EU. Iceland originally applied in 2009 after the financial crash, but pulled out of talks in 2013 saying it couldn’t go any further without a referendum. Continue reading...

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir accuses opponents of fearmongering amid warnings over misinformation and AIIceland’s foreign minister has said she fears her country faces a “Brexit moment” in its looming EU referendum amid warnings over misinformation, foreign interference and AI.With just over three months to go until Iceland votes on whether or not to continue accession talks with the EU, developments are being closely watched by Washington, Moscow and Brussels. Continue reading...

ASA rules ads on Instagram and Daily Mail website broke ban on promoting items high in fat, salt and sugarLidl and Iceland have become the first companies to have ads banned after the introduction of rules cracking down on the marketing of junk food in the UK.The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has been policing the ban on ads featuring junk food on TV before 9pm, and in paid online advertising at any time of the day, since 5 January. Continue reading...

Lord Richard Walker, Iceland’s chair, says Walker Smith is ‘welcome to a job with us’ as public fundraiser hits £7,500Keir Starmer’s cost of living tsar, who is the chair of Iceland, has offered a job to a worker who was sacked from Waitrose after trying to stop a shoplifter.Waitrose faced public outcry over its treatment of Walker Smith, who was fired two days after he stopped the shoplifter taking items from the Easter egg display, including Lindt chocolate bunnies. Continue reading...

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced last week Spain would refuse US access to naval and air bases in southern Spain for strikes on Iran. Iceland and the Netherlands joined South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. These developments occur amid US-led coalition actions in the Middle East. The moves signal growing international divisions over the escalating conflicts.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Spain will deny the US access to naval and air bases in southern Spain for strikes on Iran. Iceland and the Netherlands joined South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. These developments signal growing allied resistance amid the escalating US-Iran conflict. Diplomatic rifts widen as global forums see increased participation against Israeli actions in Lebanon.