In an interview featured in Le Monde, Össur Skarphedinson, Icelandic Foreign minister, answers criticism about the cynical use of the EU that Iceland, a 320.000-inhabitant island, is reproached for in this period of international financial crisis. After appreciating the disastrous effects of the downturn for its economy, which was one of the wealthiest world-wide, and close to revolution, Iceland's government has resigned in January 2009 and yielded power to a coalition government of Greens and Social Democrats, which was the only political alliance to promote Iceland's accession to the EU. Icelandic foreign minister argues that Iceland's request to access to the EU is the result of a long process as "Europe" has been the most debated topic in Iceland over the last decade. Also, the country has understood the difficulty in maintaining an independent currency in a globalised world. The crisis, he declares, played the role of a catalyst. The need for the Euro as a strong currency is now perceived as essential to foster foreign investments and new jobs. Iceland being equidistant from the United States and Europe, its identity is however a European one. "We, the minister says, have contributed to the European cultural legacy with our history and literature. Europe is also 70% of our exports". Applications are examined according to everyone's merit and Iceland, he claims, is taking part in the European Economic Area, in the Schengen security agreement and has already implemented 75% of EU legislation. As the parliament voted the application to access to the EU with a very short majority, one can wonder if Icelanders will agree with its accession in an accession referendum to be held in the future. The foreign minister thinks it will depend on the fishing question as "fish" is more than an economic issue in Iceland: "Fish is a psychological emotional business. Fish is Iceland's national identity". Full Le Monde article here.