EU Citizens Rights 11 February 2011

1. EU Citizens Rights11 February 2011

2. Overview • The right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament • The right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections • The right to move and reside freely within the European Union • Diplomatic and consular protection

3. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament (1) • General rules on elections in Iceland • Long standing tradition of holding democratic elections • Legal framework provides a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections • The Constitution and Separate legislative Acts stipulate the conduct of: • Parliament elections • Presidential elections • Local government elections

4. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament (2) • General rules on elections in Iceland (2) • Main rule cf. Constitution and the separate Acts • Elections are to be general, free, direct and secret. • Universality ensured with extensive early voting, voting for citizens abroad, and voting in institutions and prisons. • A system of Brailleballotinis available for the visually impaired. • Early voting enjoys a high level of public confidence. • Equality between men and women is ensured

5. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament (3) • Icelandic legal framework and elections to the EP • Iceland is not a member to the EU • Thus legislation not in place ensuring EU citizens’ right to vote and stand as a candidate in EP elections. • Legal measures needed in Iceland in order to ensure compatibility with EU law on elections to the EP.

6. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament (4) • Legal measures needed to ensure compatibility • Legislation in line with the Act 76/787/ECSC and directive 93/109/EC . • Both EU Acts lay down basic rules on the elections that are in line with the general rules in Iceland on elections. • Direct, universal, free and secret. • Equality between men and women.

7. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections (1) • Act on General Elections of Municipal Government No. 5/1998 • General rules on conduct • Direct, universal, free and secret. • Equality between men and women. • Elections held every four years. • Rules on voting rights and eligibility to stand for election. • Those eligible to vote are also eligible to stand as candidates.

8. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections (2) • Voting rights and eligibility to stand for election – Act No. 5/1998 • Nordic citizens • After having had legal residence in Iceland for three years. • Other foreign Citizens • After having had legal residence in Iceland for five years. • Legal measures needed in Iceland in order to ensure equality between Nordic Citizens and other EU Citizens .

9. The right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections (3) • Legal measures needed to ensure compatibility with EU-law • Amendments to the Act on General Elections of Municipal Government • Ensuring an equal right for all EU Citizens to vote and stand as candidates in municipal elections in Iceland.

10. The right to move and reside freely within the European Union • Iceland is a member to the EEA Agreement • Obligation to incorporate EU legislation on free movement of persons. • Directive 2004/38/EC has been implemented into Icelandic legislation • 1. Act on Foreigners No. 96/2002 • 2. Regulation on Foreigners No. 53/2003 • Act on the Foreign Nationals Right to Work No. 97/2002 • And other related acts / regulations. • Table of Correspondence available

11. Diplomatic and consular protection (1) • General information • Diplomatic and consular protection for Icelandic Citizens • One of the main functions of the Icelandic foreign service • Legal basis is in the Act on the Icelandic Foreign Service No 39/1971. • Nordic cooperation • Treaty of Helsinki from 1962 • Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden • Annual consultation meetings held • Participation in EU diplomatic and consular protection • Iceland has on an ad-hoc basis participated in EU cooperation

12. Diplomatic and consular protection (2) • Iceland is well equipped to participate at EU level • Network of experienced professionals providing consular assistance when needed. • 26 embassies and missions in 22 countries. • Appr. 250 honorary consuls. • Iceland has experience in dealing with emergency situations • Affecting a significant amount of both Icelandic and Nordic citizens.

13. Diplomatic and consular protection (3) • Previous reactions to Emergency situations • Emergency coordination center is established in REK • Specially trained staff man the watch • Organised implementation • Introduction of a database - Icelandic citizens abroad • Emergency action plan when natural disasters, terrorist acts, civil disturbances, conflicts etc. arise overseas • Search for individuals • Sheltering / Safety • Repatriation • Provision of information to relatives

14. Diplomatic and consular protection (4) • Previous catastrophes and crisis situations – reaction • 9/11 2001 • Tsunami in the Indian Ocean – 2004 • London 7/7 2005 • The Invasion in Lebanon in 2006 • Mediterranean - 2007 • Thailand 2008 (November/December 2008) • Haiti 2010

15. Diplomatic and consular protection (5) • Legal measures needed to ensure compatibility • No legislative amendments needed to allow EU citizens to benefit from the protection of diplomatic and consular representations of Iceland. • This includes the issuing of an emergency travel document • Iceland would be able to directly participate upon accession.