AGP Executive Report

EFTA Trade Deal: EFTA and Vietnam have wrapped up a long-running free trade agreement, with Iceland among the four EFTA states, aiming to cut barriers and boost market access after talks that began in 2012 and restarted in 2025. Iceland Business & Finance: Amaroq says it still plans to move from London’s AIM to the Main Market, with a possible switch date no earlier than 31 July 2026, pending FCA and London Stock Exchange approvals. Digital Infrastructure in Iceland: Verne Global’s Iceland campus is set to expand after securing $93m from Digital 9 Infrastructure, adding a new 8.2MW data hall and more IT capacity. Travel Rules for Brits: Greece is among destinations considering exemptions from the EU’s Entry/Exit System, as airports face summer queue complaints and repeat biometric checks. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts aurora chances across up to 26 U.S. states around July 3–4, ahead of Independence Day. Culture & Music: Icelandic rock band KALEO announces the UK and European leg of its Way Down We Go tour, with tickets on general sale at 10am today.

Iceland Crime & Security: Icelandic police say specific intelligence helped uncover a major cocaine smuggling operation, with 106 kg seized after the drugs arrived aboard a Brazilian alumina carrier at Straumsvík. Local Environment: The Environment Minister has approved an expansion of the Grótta Nature Reserve, extending protection across the entire Seltjörn lagoon to better safeguard birds and coastal habitats. Energy & Industry: Verne Global plans a major Iceland data-centre expansion after securing $93m more investment, adding a new 8.2MW hall and reconfiguring space for another 12.5MW. Catholic Church Guidance: Nordic bishops reaffirmed that Catholics in Scandinavia cannot be Freemasons, saying there are no regional exceptions. Global Tech & Travel: Gulfstream reports record flights tied to Reykjavik, while Wimbledon coverage plans include Iceland across HBO Max and Eurosport/TNT.

World Cup Shock Turnaround: Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes as England came back from a 7th-minute deficit to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the World Cup last 16, setting up a Sunday clash with Mexico in Mexico City. Local Travel & Border Rules: UK airports are easing eGate security for some families from July 8, letting children aged 8–9 (with height and adult-travel conditions) use eGates to speed up passport control. Iceland in International Spotlight: Canada’s UN ambassador says Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “middle powers” approach is already being put into practice, with Iceland named among the Mountains Group of human-rights advocates. Business & Health: Oculis will take part in a Piper Sandler ophthalmology conference fireside chat, highlighting late-stage work including Privosegtor and Licaminlimab. Culture & Travel: A “coolcation” trend is pushing travelers toward cooler places like Scandinavia and Iceland as heat waves and crowds intensify.

World Cup Shock to Knockout: England survived a scare against DR Congo, trailing after Brian Cipenga’s early strike before Harry Kane’s late double sealed a 2-1 comeback and a last-16 date with Mexico at the Azteca. Eurovision Expansion: Canada is officially joining Eurovision in 2027 after CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the EBU, with the contest in Bulgaria following Dara’s 2026 win. NATO Spending Focus: Ahead of the Ankara summit, NATO leaders are set to put defense spending front and center as all allies hit the 2025 2% target, with pressure building toward higher goals. Courtroom Update (Iceland): Prosecutors in Reykjavík are seeking a 16-year sentence in the “Edition case,” tied to allegations of manslaughter and domestic violence in the death of a daughter. Travel Rules for Families: UK airports are easing eGate access from July 8 for some children aged eight and nine, aiming to cut passport-control delays.

Iceland in the spotlight: Iceland’s whaling hunt is back in renewed form, with activists documenting alleged welfare violations as campaigners push for a full whaling ban. Business & finance: Alvotech, based in Reykjavík, secured a $75m term loan facility to strengthen liquidity after a $165m equity raise, backing its biosimilar R&D and global launches. EU politics: Ireland’s EU presidency is set to tackle foreign-policy vetoes, with Iceland’s EU membership talks also in focus ahead of an August referendum. Travel & rules: New EU entry requirements are reshaping summer travel plans, including MiCA’s July 1 deadline driving crypto firms toward Dubai and ETIAS fees for UK travellers. Sports culture: The “Viking Row” fan ritual is going viral at the World Cup, while England’s Thomas Tuchel leans on past scars as they prepare for DR Congo.

Whaling Watch: Anti-whaling activists say Paul Watson’s Bandero is targeting the fuel supplier behind Hvalur hf., as Iceland’s renewed fin whale hunt continues and the Coast Guard keeps watch in the exclusive economic zone. Local Safety & Enforcement: Police are coordinating to monitor two French tourists accused of off-road driving near Katla after they were fined in South Iceland, with Westfjords officers saying they’ll intervene if they’re found. Church & Freemasonry: Nordic bishops reaffirmed that Catholics in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden face “no exception” to the Vatican ban on joining Freemasonry. EU Trade: From July 1, the EU tightens steel import quotas and raises tariffs on over-quota shipments, with Iceland and Norway in the EEA exempt from the new quota rules. Travel Rules: Brits and Scots face a new ETIAS travel authorisation fee of about €20/£17 for many Schengen destinations, including Iceland, with exemptions for children and those over 70. Culture & Community: The Reykjavík Arts Festival highlights how Iceland’s interdisciplinary, locally rooted arts scene can stay political without turning into state spectacle.

Courtroom Drama: Reykjavik heard that the Dublin-based husband of a woman on trial for allegedly co-operating in the murder of their daughter researched mass suicides and even stabbing details on his iPad before the June 2025 deaths. Legal & Trade: Iceland’s government reiterated that online alcohol sales by retailers are unlawful, as the EFTA Surveillance Authority reviews the state monopoly while a court appeal drags on. Whaling Standoff: Icelandic Coast Guard vessel Þór shadowed anti-whaling activist Paul Watson’s Bandero west of Iceland, as authorities watch for any move toward whaling areas. Local Safety: ICE-SAR rescued an injured hiker on the Landmannalaugar–Hrafntinnusker trail after fog and snow made conditions dangerous. Culture & Travel: Quark Expeditions launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29 trips, adding a guided photography program and new Iceland-focused experiences. Global Spotlight (Iceland in rankings): Iceland topped the KidsRights Index 2026 for children’s rights, while also ranking as the world’s most peaceful country in the Global Peace Index. Entertainment: Icelandic rock band KALEO announced a Prague show in March 2027 celebrating the 10th anniversary of A/B.

Film & Culture: Robert Eggers’ new folk-horror “Werwulf” drops its first official trailer, reuniting Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp, with Icelandic poet Sjón co-writing the script for a 13th-century werewolf tale hitting cinemas Dec. 25. Local Safety & Outdoors: ICE-SAR rescued an injured hiker on the Landmannalaugar–Hrafntinnusker trail after fog, low visibility, and deep snow complicated the response; the person was transferred to ambulance care. Legal & Policy: Iceland’s government says online alcohol sales remain illegal, reiterating ÁTVR’s exclusive retail right while ESA reviews the system under EEA rules. Whaling Watch: The Icelandic Coast Guard is shadowing Paul Watson’s anti-whaling vessel Bandero west of Iceland, after requesting it transmit its position as it heads toward the whaling area. Tourism Pressure: Smaller ports in northeast Iceland report a sharp cruise decline this year, blaming a new per-night infrastructure charge that smaller operators say they couldn’t plan around in time.

EU Membership Talks: Iceland’s foreign minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir warns the EU to avoid “second-class” membership with probation-style limits on voting rights ahead of Iceland’s 29 August referendum on restarting accession talks. Health & Medicines: The EU’s CHMP has issued a positive opinion for Neuren’s Rett syndrome treatment Daybu (trofinetide), moving the decision to the European Commission and potentially making it the first EU therapy for Rett symptoms. Local Youth & Gambling: A University of Iceland survey finds around 40% of upper secondary students in Iceland gambled in the past year, with researchers calling for stronger prevention as loneliness and mental wellbeing concerns rise. Environment & Industry: Iceland has resumed commercial fin whale hunting after a two-year pause, with reports of two fin whales killed in the opening days, drawing criticism from conservation groups. Energy & Resources: Drilling has started at Amaroq’s Ilua rare earth project in South Greenland, targeting pegmatite-hosted REEs with high-grade surface samples. Sport & Social Media: Iceland Cricket trolls India coach Gautam Gambhir on X after Ireland’s historic 2-0 T20I series win over India.

Whaling Returns: Iceland has resumed its contentious commercial hunt after a two-year pause, with two fin whales killed off its coast in the first days, drawing fresh criticism from conservation groups. Public Safety: Police logged 76 incidents overnight in Reykjavík, including a serious assault at a sports bar, suspected drunk driving in three separate accidents, and reports of tourists facing trouble accessing a rental. Sports—World Cup: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says Cape Verde is a “tough opponent” ahead of the Ro32, after the island nation became the smallest by population to reach the knockout stage. Health & Food: A new explainer highlights that while salmon is a strong omega-3 source, other foods can help—though the body converts some fats poorly. Travel & Nature: A guide notes the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse path across Greenland and Iceland, with advice on safe viewing and photography. Global Peace: Iceland tops the 2026 Global Peace Index, while Russia ranks last.

EU Accession Mood: A new Gallup poll finds 52% of Icelanders would back reopening EU accession talks if a vote were held today, with support highest among under-30s. Higher Education: The University of Iceland reports a first decline in international applications, while domestic demand rises ahead of expected tuition-fee changes for non-EEA students. National Culture: Iceland’s newly established National Opera has appointed six singers for its first full season, with Verdi’s Falstaff set for a March 2027 premiere. Tourism & Travel: A “cool-cation” trend is pushing travellers toward cooler destinations, with Iceland highlighted as a go-to option. Geothermal & Energy: A new 100 MW geothermal project clears a key hurdle in Iceland, adding momentum to the country’s clean-energy pipeline. Public Safety & Justice: Police say an investigation tied to a Reykjavík-linked removals business is nearing completion after alleged human trafficking claims.

EU Digital Identity Debate: A new digital wallet plan aimed at proving age for online porn access is being slammed as a privacy and cyber-risk nightmare, with critics warning it would centralize sensitive ID data. EU Accession Mood in Iceland: A Gallup poll says 52% of Icelanders would back reopening EU accession talks if a vote were held now, with support highest among under-30s. Iceland’s Culture & Arts: Iceland’s National Opera has appointed six singers for its first full season, with Verdi’s Falstaff set for March 2027. Tourism Marketing in Iceland: Icelandair’s “really bad photographer” campaign has crowned a winner after massive interest, turning a gimmick into a viral branding push. Geothermal & Energy Watch: Iceland-linked funding is among the latest support for Ukraine’s winter energy preparations, while geothermal investment headlines continue to grow. World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde, including Iceland’s small-nation context, reached the knockout stage after an unbeaten group run and now faces Argentina.

World Cup Shock: Cape Verde, the smallest nation by population to reach the men’s World Cup knockout stage, booked its place after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia—following draws with Spain and Uruguay—setting up a round-of-32 clash with defending champions Argentina on July 3. Iceland Culture: The National Gallery of Iceland is hosting two Björk-themed exhibitions, including immersive audiovisual installations and a new look at her upcoming album. Tourism & Media: Icelandair’s viral “really bad photographer” hiring stunt has a winner—Blanche Montemard—after a huge application and screening process. Arts in the North-West: The Hvammstangi International Puppetry Festival (HIP Fest) opens in Northwest Iceland, featuring contemporary shows and workshops for all ages. Local Governance: Reykjavík is facing a major sidewalk repair bill, with city plans to address multi-billion króna costs. International Spotlight: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are visiting Iceland on a private trip. Health & EU: The EU has moved toward approving trofinetide (DAYBU) for Rett syndrome neurobehavioral symptoms.

Iceland Politics & Society: Reykjavík City Council has ended free Strætó bus travel for primary schoolchildren after about 50 days, saying the scheme wasn’t properly funded; free travel for children aged 11 and under remains. Iceland Economy & Energy: A new geothermal project in Iceland has cleared a key hurdle, while Ormat and other players push standardisation and expansion in the geothermal race. Iceland Environment & Industry: Iceland has restarted commercial whaling after a pause since 2023, with reports also noting the first fin whales caught after a two-year hiatus. International Spotlight on Iceland: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are in Iceland on a private visit for about a week, with the Foreign Ministry confirming routine logistical and security support. Trade & Agriculture: India held its first-ever mango promotion events in Iceland (Reykjavík and Akureyri) to boost exports of premium varieties. Science & Health: A study highlights a blood protein (GDF15) that may signal dementia risk decades earlier, while EU regulators approved new cancer treatment combinations.

Geothermal & energy: Ormat cleared a key hurdle for a new 100 MW geothermal project in Iceland, while Ormat also unveiled the Ormega100 push for faster, more standardized geothermal power. Education & research: Reykjavik University and Southern Utah University signed an MoU to expand sustainable energy education, research, and workforce development via the Iceland School of Energy. Telecom upgrade: Iceland became the first European country to switch off 2G and 3G networks. Public safety & infrastructure: Reports say thousands of devices still can’t call Iceland’s emergency number, and Reykjavik faces a multi-billion króna sidewalk repair bill. Whaling: Iceland resumed commercial whaling after a pause, with protests and international debate continuing. Local governance: A proposal to halve Iceland’s police districts is back in the spotlight. International ties: President of Iceland met Qatar’s envoy, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement.

Eurovision & Public Media: Canada’s CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union, clearing the way for a possible Eurovision entry—though CBC still won’t say if it will participate. Youth Health (Iceland link): A prevention model developed in Iceland, Planet Youth, is being rolled out in Canada’s Algoma region to tackle youth alcohol and drug abuse, using local school survey data. Energy Support for Ukraine: The US and European partners pledged at least €375m to restore Ukraine’s power infrastructure, with Iceland contributing €550,000. Climate & Travel Astronomy: Europe’s new-car CO2 figures show emissions falling in 2025, while guides for the August 12 total solar eclipse and the June 29 Strawberry Moon highlight Iceland’s prime viewing spots. Iceland Business & Power: Borealis signed a 12MW power deal with Landsvirkjun for expansion at its Blönduós data center campus. Whaling Debate: An Iceland poll finds more people oppose fin whale hunting than support it, with strong age and gender splits.