The European Union (EU) has opened accession talks with Iceland. Having applied for membership of the Union just over one year ago, Iceland has been fast-tracked to this stage. The country is already a member of the European Economic Area and has also subscribed to parts of the Schengen Agreement.

The European Commission will now examine Iceland’s existing laws and their compatibility with those of the EU. Environmental issues will play a large part in any further talks, as Iceland is home to several aluminium smelters.

Despite feeling the effects of an economic downturn, ICLEI member city Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city, was selected as the host city for EcoProcura 2009, due to their commitment to sustainable purchasing. Iceland unveiled a new national sustainable procurement national action plan during the event.

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