In a reflection of the general sentiment of the EU towards whaling, the Bundestag (German parliament) has laid down its requirement for Iceland’s membership to the EU: that it stop whaling.

“The German parliament expressed in its decision of 22nd April 2010 its full support for formal talks with Iceland, with a view to Iceland acquiring full membership to the EU. At the same time, the parliament expressed its wish for Iceland to reshape itself in terms of [its policy] for the protection of whales, in accord with international and EU law.”

The statement was made today in a memo issued by the deputy German ambassador to Iceland in a meeting with diplomats.

Jón Bjarnason, the Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture, says that Icelandic authorities want to collaborate with the group which is working towards a compromise on whaling. The International Whaling Commission will join the discussions in a meeting in Morocco later this month. Jón goes on to say that Icelandic authorities cannot allow the demands of the EU to interrupt their work.

Labels: EU, Whaling