The seminar on the benefits of Icelandic participation in EU science, research and innovation programmes entitled "Everything starts with a good idea!" was held at Grand Hotel Reykjavík. The seminar was held at the half-way mark of the EU programme period of 2021-2027.

The EU Ambassador to Iceland, Ms Clara Ganslandt, said in her key-note speech:

For three decades now, Icelandic organisations have been remarkably active, valued and successful participants in various EU programmes. Since the start of the EEA Agreement, it is estimated that the EU has invested at least 80 billion krónas in Iceland through its many programmes.

Ambassador Ganslandt recognised the impressive success rate of Icelandic applications to EU science, research and innovation programmes e.g. Horizon, Life, and Digital Europe. This success rate is much higher than the average in other participating countries.

Ambassador Ganslandt emphasised the importance of close cooperation between Europeans to ensure Europe's continued success as a powerhouse of innovation, research, science, business and arts. Particularly due to increasing global competition from growing economies. The Ambassador said that the EU takes this challenge seriously, that is why the European Commission has allocated 93,5 billion EUR to its science, research and innovation programmes.

The Ambassador mentioned the 30th anniversary of the EEA Agreement and said:

As many of you might know, the EEA Agreement celebrated its 30 year anniversary earlier this year. It is this important agreement that enables Icelandic participation in EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, LIFE, and Digital Europe. To date, it is closest partnership that the EU has with any group of countries in the world.

For those interested to watch the seminar can do so via this link:

https://www.rannis.is/frettir/thetta-byrjar-allt-a-godri-hugmynd-1