Ekonomická spolupráce Evropské unie a Islandu

Abstract

This bachelor thesis focuses on evaluating the development and current state of economic cooperation between the European Union and Iceland. Although Iceland is a small and geographically isolated economy, the European Union represents its most important strategic partner. Instead of full EU membership, the country opted for an alternative form of integration through the European Economic Area (EEA), thereby securing full participation in the internal market while keeping sensitive sectors outside supranational jurisdiction. The thesis is divided into three main parts. The first part deals with the basic political and economic characteristics of Iceland, including its historical development and core economic sectors, such as fisheries, energy, and tourism. The second part focuses on the historical development of mutual trade relations and analyzes in detail the practical application of the four fundamental freedoms of the internal market. The third, analytical part examines the current structure of trade exchange, the role of major Icelandic corporations in the European market, and identifies the critical areas and challenges of the current cooperation. In the conclusion, based on the gathered findings, predictions of possible future developments are formulated, including an assessment of the question of Iceland's potential full EU membership. The aim of the thesis is to assess the degree of mutual economic interdependence, identify the main benefits of this partnership, and define the risks arising from the current form of cooperation.