The current year, 2024, celebrates 30 years since the establishment of the European Economic Area (EEA). Today, the EEA links the EU member countries and three countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) into an internal market governed by the same basic rules. These rules aim to enable the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the European single market, including the freedom to choose residence in any country within this area.
Of course, IK participates in the celebration as a proud and transnational European organisation that, since its establishment in 1988, fully supports the so-called basic rules. These rules have long-term positive effects on people and countries, not least on science, knowledge exchange, idea work, understanding and protecting Planet Earth.
In Iceland, where IK, in scientific collaboration with the University of Iceland and the Embassy of Sweden, since 2022, has successfully established the autonomous Field Station Solander’s Eye at Breiðamerkurjökull, in Vatnajökull National Park. The Field Station, which just passed 14,000 working hours 24/7 of massive field data collection, will represent a collaboration between Sweden and Iceland at the 30 Years of European Cooperation Festival — on 8th May 2024 in Reykjavik.
”I am immensely grateful to The IK Foundation and the University of Iceland for setting up the unique Field Station Solander’s Eye in Vatnajökull National Park.
The collaborative ERASMUS Mundus joint program ”ISLANDS, on Islands and Sustainability”, has joined the research team linked to the Field Station. One student, master student Yulita Muspitasari, conducted her research project around Solander’s Eye and gained valuable knowledge spanning glaciology, geomorphology, ecology, and geography. Please listen to our conversation here...
We are proud and delighted to present this project as a showcase of collaborative research during the 30th anniversary of the EEA Agreement.”
The Ambassador Pär Ahlberger at the Embassy of Sweden in Reykjavik
This public festival will be held at Kolaportið (Tryggvagata in Reykjavík), showcasing the many successes of EU-Iceland cooperation. Representatives from EU-funded programmes and Embassies from EU Member countries will participate in the event, among other things — the President of Iceland, H.E Mr. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson will open the public festival at 14:00.
On the 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 a day of celebratory events, including a seminar titled “30 years of EEA Cooperation, Past Achievements — Future Prospects” for guests.
Welcome by May 8th if you are near Kolaportið. The IK Foundation is also taking this opportunity to congratulate the EEA idea and all involved!