Mr Stefano Sannino, the Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) of the European Union, visited Iceland on 8 and 9 August 2024.

In Reykjavík, the Secretary-General met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, to discuss current international developments, and EU-Iceland cooperation.

The Secretary-General also held consultations with senior government officials led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, and the Director General of the Directorate of International Affairs and Policy, Ms. María Mjöll Jónsdóttir.

During the consultations, the two sides discussed the close cooperation and strong relationship between Iceland and the European Union, in particular the EEA cooperation and its 30^th anniversary, Arctic affairs, multilateral cooperation, support and solidarity with Ukraine, and international developments.

European Union, 2024

During the visit, the Secretary-General had the opportunity to visit Keflavik Air Base, receiving presentations on Iceland’s Defence and Security Policy and Iceland’s international security and defence cooperation including its contribution to NATO’s collective security. There, the Secretary-General met with the Base commander, Captain Jón Guðnason from the Icelandic Coast Guard, and the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Defence at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Andri Júlíusson.

“ Iceland is not only a valued member of the EEA, but also an important partner on foreign policy and global issues. I thank my Icelandic colleagues for the fruitful discussions on current topics of common interests.” – SG Sannino.

Iceland is among the EU’s closest partners and allies. Iceland and the EU enjoy a close working relationships especially within the context of Iceland’s membership of the European Economic Area and the Single Market.

EU-Iceland bilateral relations continues to expand with Iceland participating in an increasing number of EU Programmes as well as taking joint positions and actions in the global arena.

The EEAS is the diplomatic service of the European Union. As the Secretary-General of the EEAs, Mr Stefano Sannino provides strategic direction to the work of the EEAS and an effective coordination on foreign and security policy between EU institutions and EU Delegations, EU Member States and with third countries through political dialogue.

Mr Stefano Sannino has been the Secretary-General of the EEAS since 1 January 2021.

European Union, 2024