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Iceland–Ireland relations

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Iceland–Ireland relations are the bilateral relations between Iceland and Ireland. Both nations are members of the European Economic Area, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Iceland–Ireland relations
Map indicating locations of Iceland and Ireland

Iceland
Ireland

History

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Connections between Iceland and Ireland began circa 700s or 800s when Irish monks first explored Iceland as mentioned in the books by Irish monk and geographer Dicuil.[1] When Norse explorers arrived to Iceland, many encountered the Irish monks on the island who they called "Papar" for the religious books they would leave behind on the island.[2] When Norse settlers arrived, many of the Irish monks left Iceland because they would not inhabit a country of "pagans".[2] During the following centuries, more Norse explorers would come to Iceland and bring with them Irish women who were slaves to Iceland producing Iceland's current genetic make-up among its population.[3]

During World War II, both Iceland (in personal union with the Kingdom of Denmark) and Ireland remained neutral. Iceland became a republic in June 1944. On 11 March 1948, both Iceland and Ireland established diplomatic relations.[4] In 1960, Iceland joined the European Free Trade Association while Ireland joined the European Union in 1973. In 2003, both nations signed a double taxation agreement.[5] After the 2008 banking crisis that affected heavily the two nations,[6] Iceland began the formal application process to join the EU; however, Ireland raised concerns over Iceland's over fishing of the mackerel which Ireland stated that Iceland fished more than its share of the fish.[7] In 2013, Iceland pulled its application for joining the EU, wishing instead to remain outside the union.[8]

Transport

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Both nations are served with direct flights provided by airlines Icelandair and Play.

State visits

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Stamp commemorating Irish monks arriving in Iceland

Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits from Iceland to Ireland[9][10]

Presidential and Prime Ministerial (Taoiseach) visits from Ireland to Iceland[1][11][12]

Trade

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Both Iceland and Ireland trade under the European Single Market with Iceland belonging to the EFTA and Ireland being a full member of the EU. In 2015, total trade between Iceland the European Union (which includes Ireland) totaled €5.7 billion.[13]

Diplomatic missions

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b State visits by Irish President Mary Robinson to Iceland
  2. ^ a b "Saga Museum: Papar". Archived from the original on 2015-01-02. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  3. ^ The Irish Times: Why people in Iceland look just like us
  4. ^ Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ireland (in Icelandic)
  5. ^ Iceland concludes a double taxation agreement with Ireland (in Icelandic)
  6. ^ The Iceland and Ireland Banking Crises: Lessons for the Future
  7. ^ Iceland's growing mackerel catch muddies waters for EU bid
  8. ^ Iceland: No Longer Eager to Join E.U.
  9. ^ President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir in Ireland (in Icelandic)
  10. ^ Icelandic leader's visit focuses on trade links
  11. ^ Official Visits
  12. ^ Bertie Ahern visits Iceland
  13. ^ "European Union, Trade in goods with Iceland" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  14. ^ "Embassy of Iceland in London". Archived from the original on 2018-11-22. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  15. ^ Embassy of Ireland in Copenhagen
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