On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the EEA Agreement,Rannís, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the EU Delegation to Iceland will host a day of celebratory events on 8 May.
Seminar- 30 Years of EEA Cooperation - Past achievements and future prospects
Where: Grand Hotel Reykjavík - Háteigur | When: 10:00 - 12:15
Registration is required | More information about the event | Webstream |
The 1994 entry into force of the Agreement on the European Economic Area was a watershed moment for Iceland. For 30 years, the EEA Agreement has ensured free movement of goods, services, persons, and capital throughout the 30 EEA States, benefiting citizens and businesses alike. Around 60% of Iceland´s goods and services are exported to the internal market and this seamless access has significantly contributed to growth and prosperity in Iceland. Moreover, the EEA cooperation has allowed for Iceland´s active participation in different EU programmes and the EEA Grants, boosting scientific research, innovation, education, youth, culture, and creative cooperation. It is hard to imagine Iceland´s advancement in the last 30 years without the unique EEA partnership.
The 30 years anniversary of the EEA provides an opportunity to highlight the achievements but also to look ahead and review prospects and possible challenges.
The seminar will be in English.
Sigríður Valgeirsdóttir, Director General and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, will open the event.
Ávörp og erindi:
Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (video address)
Iliana Ivanova, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth (video address)
Lucie Samcová-Hall Allen, Ambassador of the European Union to Iceland
Borgar Þór Einarsson, Deputy Managing Director of the EEA & Norway Grants
Ágúst Hjörtur Ingþórsson, Director General of Rannís
Panel discussions: EU Programmes - opportunities and challenges
After the keynote speeches there will be panel discussions about the EEA cooperation and Iceland's participation in EU programmes.
Since the start of the EEA cooperation in 1994, Iceland has actively participated in different EU programmes, currently twelve in total. These focus primarily on research and innovation, youth, education, and culture, as well as on climate and digitalization, health, and social issues. During this time, Iceland has successfully competed for funds, and program participation has created valuable knowledge and experience. In 2014 to 2020 more than twenty-six thousand people studied in and visited Iceland as part of the cooperation and in the same period, more than fourteen thousand Icelanders studied in EU countries. Today, participation in EU programmes contributes to Iceland´s vibrant society, economy, and culture.
Members of the panels will discuss the benefits of EU program participation and look ahead to opportunities and possible challenges.
Moderator: Björn Malmquist, Journalist, RÚV - Brussel's Correspondent
Ambassador of the European Union Hosts a Europe Day Reception
Hvar: Grand hótel Reykjavík - Háteigur | Hvenær: 12:30 - 14:00
Registration is required | More information about the event
After the EEA 30 seminar, the Ambassador of the European Union to Iceland, H.E. Ms Lucie Samcová-Hall Allen, invites all seminar guests to a Europe Day reception at the same venue. The EU Delegation will offer light refreshments and drinks as two jazz musicians will play some nice tunes.
Harvest Festival - 30 Years of EEA Cooperation
Where: Kolaportið | When: 14:00 - 18:00
FREE ENTRY - Public festival - More information on official website
Mr. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland, will open the festival
At the main hall of Kolaportið, some 50 booths will showcase examples of the many success stories of the EU - Icelandic cooperation. EU programmes have contributed funding to a wide range of projects in Iceland in sectors such as education, creative industries, youth, research, innovation, civil protection, civil society, and much more.
Festival guests will have a chance to discuss with representatives from these interesting projects in Iceland as well as representatives of Embassies of EU Member States and learn more about the benefits of European cooperation.
Artists and musicians will entertain guests with songs and music on a main stage at the event, and festival guests will be offered a celebratory cake, coffee and pastries - as expected in any good celebration!
The festival is a public event and free of charge - join us at Kolaportið for an entertaining and informative celebration of 30 years of European cooperation between Iceland and the European Union!
European Union, 2024
