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 an EEA seminar at Grand Hotel and a Harvest Festival celebrating 30 years of EEA cooperation at Kolaportið.

Seminar- 30 Years of EEA Cooperation - Past achievements and future prospects

Where: Grand Hotel Reykjavík - Háteigur | When: 10:00 - 12:15

Registration is required | 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.

10:00 - 11:00

Key-note Speeches and Executive Panel

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

EEA & Norway Grants video: Access to Sports and Activities for Children with Disabilities in Iceland

Borgar Þór Einarsson, Deputy Managing Director of the EEA & Norway Grants

EEA & Norway Grants video: Stronger Together than Apart

Ágúst Hjörtur Ingþórsson, Director General of Rannís

10:40 - 11:00

Executive Panel and Q&A

After the keynote speeches, keynote speakers will participate in an interactive discussion on the EEA cooperation moderated by Mr Björn Malmquist, RÚV's Brussels Correspondent.

11:00 - 12:15

Panel discussions:  EU Programmes - opportunities and challenges

Moderated by Mr. Björn Malmquist, Journalist, RÚV - Brussel's Correspondent

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. 

Rannis video on EU programmes: Stelpur rokka

11:00 - 11:20

Panel 1: Education, Reserach and Innovation

Mr Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector, University of Iceland

Mr Oddur Már Gunnarsson, CEO, Matíss

Ms Lára Stefánsdóttir, Headmaster, Tröllaskagi Gymnasium/Secondary School

Rannis video on EU programmes: Creative Europe

11:30 - 11:50

Panel 2: Culture, Creative Industries, and Youth

Ms Heather Millard, CEO, Compass Films & Animation Studio Iceland

Mr Gunnar Eysteinn Sigurbjörnsson, Director of Youth Sector, Árborg Municipality

Ms Áslaug Thorlacius, Headmaster, Reykjavík School of Visual Arts

Rannis video on EU Programmes: EEN & Laki Power

11:50 - 12:15

Panel 3: Business, Trade, and Innovation

Ms Sigríður Mogensen, Chair of the EFTA Consultative Committee

Mr Guðmundur Fertram Sigurjónsson, CEO, Kerecis

Mr Kári Helgason, Head of Research and Innovation, Carbfix

After the panel discussions, the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Ms. Lucie Samcová - Hall Allen, invites all seminar guests to attend a reception at the same venue to celebrate Europe Day 2024. Light refreshments and drinks will be offered and jazz musicians will play some nice tunes.

European Union, 2024