Foreign Affairs

Framsókn wishes to continue to defend Iceland's sovereignty and independence. Policy-making in foreign affairs should always be based on the interests of the country and nation in each instance. It is imperative to secure Iceland's economic and trade interests with our trading nations. Iceland has obligations to cooperate with other nations in solving joint tasks on the international stage. Framsókn wants Iceland's guiding principles in foreign affairs to be peace and equality. Framsókn aims to strengthen the role of security and defence matters in the foreign policy in general. Framsókn emphasises that international laws are respected, as they are the foundation of state interactions.

International Relations and Regional Cooperation

It is important to cultivate diplomatic relations on a broad basis with other states, thereby reducing tensions and building trust.

Nordic Cooperation

Framsókn wishes to continue building strong cooperation between the Nordic countries. Icelanders have shared interests with their neighbouring nations regarding resources, heritage, national culture, and security issues. Cooperation with the Nordic countries will continue to play an important role in foreign policy, especially now that Finland and Sweden have joined NATO.

The EEA Agreement

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) is the most important and extensive multilateral agreement Iceland is a part of. Framsókn supports the continued participation of Iceland in the EEA Agreement.

It is necessary to strengthen Iceland's advocacy towards the European Union, particularly to monitor discussions and have an influence, at earlier stages, on forthcoming EEA regulations. It is also necessary to ensure the effective implementation and development of the EEA Agreement in increased cooperation with the legislative branch. When implementing EEA regulations into Icelandic law, it should be ensured that it does not exceed the provisions of the regulations. When necessary, Iceland must negotiate adaptations to Icelandic special interests, before the implementation of EEA regulations.

The European Union

Framsókn emphasises continued good cooperation with the European Union but believes that Iceland's interests are best served outside of it. Policy-making in foreign affairs should always be based on the interests of the country and nation in each instance.

The Arctic

The Arctic continues to hold great significance for Iceland, including in relation to climate change, resource exploitation, continental shelf claims, societal changes, and potential new sea routes. Whether considering environmental, security, economic, or social aspects, it is important that the region continues to be characterised by stability, sustainability, and cooperation.

Strained relations of the seven Arctic Council member states with Russia have placed constraints on state interactions regarding Arctic issues, including in the fields of science, research, and adaptation to climate change, with the majority of the northern coastal area being in Russia. Framsókn considers it important to maintain the cooperation of states in the Arctic on their shared interests, so that cooperation can be resumed as soon as conditions allow.

Framsókn also emphasises domestic consultation and cooperation on Arctic issues to ensure increased understanding of the importance of the Arctic across the administration with the participation of the academic community, municipalities, industry, and NGOs.

Schengen Cooperation

Framsókn supports Iceland's continued participation in the Schengen cooperation. Framsókn wants to increase surveillance at internal and external borders.

Marine Affairs

As Iceland's livelihood heavily depends on the sustainable exploitation of marine resources, it is essential for the government to take full part in state cooperation on marine affairs and maritime rights, both on a regional and international level, in collaboration with appropriate institutions.

Security and Defence Matters

Given the growing instability on the international stage, greater emphasis should be placed on security and defence issues within foreign policy in general. Framsókn supports Iceland's national security policy and its implementation. Security and defence matters are increasingly covering areas such as cybersecurity and telecommunications, multi-threat challenges, and transportation.

Defence Agreement with the United States

Iceland's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the defence agreement between Iceland and the United States fundamentally secure the country's safety. Now that all the Nordic countries are members of the alliance, regional Nordic defence cooperation opportunities may increase. Framsókn considers it important to further strengthen its foundations in view of Iceland’s geographical location and emphasises continued good relations and cooperation with other nations. Realism, preparedness, and robust defence plans are crucial.

International Trade

Framsókn emphasises ensuring the best trading terms, access, and competitiveness for companies on international markets. This goal is best served with participation in a system where the rules are clear and based on both bilateral and regional trade agreements and cooperation among countries within the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Continuous access to the European Union's internal market (EU) should be secured on the basis of the EEA Agreement, while also strengthening trade relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. When drafting free trade agreements, whether bilaterally or within the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the interests and special circumstances of Iceland, including Icelandic agriculture and the conditions it operates under, should always be taken into consideration.

Iceland should continue to work for improved access of poor countries to international trade and the removal of trade barriers against them.

Iceland should be at the forefront of the international fight against tax havens

Iceland should be at the forefront of the international fight against tax havens and support international agreements in this regard. Tax havens are countries that make little or no demands on company ownership transparency and levy little or no taxes on them. By doing this, tax havens provide companies and investors with opportunities to evade taxation. Taxation is essential for countries to build up necessary infrastructure and provide important services to residents. Tax havens weaken welfare societies while increasing inequality. They need to be eliminated.

Iceland should remain a leader in human rights and equality, and strengthen development cooperation.

Human rights protection should be a significant component of Iceland's foreign policy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 is the foundation on which the main agreements and declarations of the international community on human rights are based. Framsókn wants Iceland to continue advocating for the protection and strengthening of human rights around the world, including equality, children’s rights, and minority rights.

Development Cooperation

Development cooperation should remain one of the main pillars of foreign policy. It is important that strong cooperation with the United Nations continues to be in the forefront and that the United Nations' position in development cooperation is further enhanced.

In furthering development cooperation, Icelanders' specific knowledge in the fields of fisheries, geothermal energy, land reclamation, and equality should continue to be prioritised.