AGP Executive Report

Whaling Restart: Iceland’s commercial whaling has resumed after a two-year pause, with the vessel Hvalur 9 harpooning two fin whales—reigniting debate over marine conservation and future rules. EU Referendum Watch: Iceland is preparing a summer vote on restarting EU membership talks, with the government saying a “yes” could move negotiations toward full membership. Security Detention Update: Parliament has approved new laws creating a secure facility for up to 16 high-risk people who aren’t suitable for prison, with court-ordered supervision. Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected donation scam across Iceland after victims were charged thousands of euros via card payments. Health Insurance Change: New residents from outside the EEA will get public health coverage sooner (cut waiting from six to three months), while travel coverage outside the EEA ends from next year. Geothermal Clean Energy: Colombia and Iceland signed a geothermal alliance to speed up clean energy development through research and training. Local Incidents: Akureyri police reported a spike in assaults and hundreds of traffic offences during the Bíladagar car festival. Earth & Road: A magnitude 3.1 quake was recorded on the Reykjanes Ridge, and a fatal motorcycle crash occurred east of Vík. Energy Tech in Iceland: Syntholene says it has completed an Iceland demonstration plant for geothermal-powered eSAF production. Tourism & Nature: Police are probing reports of off-road driving damage in South Iceland linked to foreign-registered Land Rovers.

EU Referendum Watch: Iceland will hold a “Brexit-style” vote on August 29 on whether to restart EU membership talks, with critics warning it’s the “worst business idea” and opponents pushing a “Keep In Control” message. Whaling Returns: Iceland’s commercial whaling has resumed after a two-year pause, with the vessel Hvalur 9 harpooning two fin whales; the government is also preparing a bill that could ban whaling in the future as protests continue. Public Safety & Justice: Parliament approved a new legal framework for court-ordered security measures outside prison, creating a secure facility for up to 16 high-risk individuals. Health Insurance Rules: New legislation will shorten the waiting period for public health insurance for non-EEA residents (six months to three) and end automatic coverage for healthcare costs incurred outside the EEA from next year. Crime Update: Police are investigating a suspected donation scam using card payments that allegedly charged victims far more than they expected. Environment & Transport: South Iceland police are probing reports of illegal off-road driving linked to French-registered Land Rovers that may have damaged fragile highland areas; meanwhile, a fatal crash east of Vík is under investigation and a magnitude 3.1 quake was recorded on the Reykjanes Ridge. Business & Housing: An Icelandic startup, Fjöldakaup, launches a group-buying model to negotiate discounts on new homes. Aviation: Akasa Air took delivery of its 39th Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with the delivery route including Reykjavik. Culture & Sports: Icelandic chess grandmaster Vignir Vatnar Stefánsson won ISK 250,000 at the Green Diamond Invitational.

Whaling Restart & Protests: Iceland’s whaling season has resumed after a two-year pause, with two vessels leaving port and fresh international backlash as campaigners and animal welfare groups protest; the government says a bill on banning whaling altogether is expected this autumn, while the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute recommends reduced quotas for fin and minke whales. EU Referendum: Iceland will hold a “Brexit-style” vote on Aug. 29 on whether to restart EU membership talks, with critics warning EU entry would be the “worst business idea” and a “huge step away from democracy,” while supporters argue it could strengthen the economy and trade position. Public Safety & Justice: Parliament approved a new legal framework for court-ordered security measures outside prison, creating a secure facility for up to 16 high-risk individuals needing specialised care. Fraud Probe: Police are hunting a suspect in a fake charity card-payment scam that allegedly charged victims thousands of euros instead of small ISK amounts. Health Study: A nationwide study finds nearly 7% of Icelandic women report trauma-linked nightmares and disruptive sleep symptoms. Culture & Events: Bergmál at Þingvellir draws large crowds with major traffic and police measures, and Of Monsters and Men play Budapest Park on June 22.

EU Referendum: Iceland will hold a “Brexit-style” vote on August 29 on whether to restart EU membership talks, with critics warning it’s the “worst business idea” and a “huge step away from democracy,” while supporters argue EU ties could strengthen trade and growth. Public Safety: Police are preparing for the Bergmál festival at Þingvellir, with road closures and about 100 officers on duty as around 20,000 people are expected. Justice & Care: Alþingi has approved a new legal framework for court-ordered security measures outside prison, creating a secure facility for up to 16 high-risk people needing specialised supervision. Crime Watch: Police are hunting a suspect in a donation scam that allegedly charged victims thousands of euros after steering them to pay by card instead of cash. Whaling Row: Iceland’s whaling hunt has resumed after a two-year pause, despite protests and animal welfare concerns, with fin and minke quotas set for the season. Culture & Community: Reykjavik’s film producers have elected a new chair at SÍK amid funding worries, and the city’s summer events keep rolling with folk dance and trad sessions.

Whaling Returns, Protests Follow: Iceland’s whaling hunt is back after a two-year pause, with two vessels heading out from Reykjavík as animal-rights groups and a lone protester staged actions onboard; one protester says he “broke down” after realizing the ship would sail all the way out to sea, and police escorted him ashore. EU Referendum Push: Iceland will vote on 29 August on whether to restart EU membership talks, as debate heats up over sovereignty, fisheries, and the country’s economic direction. Local Safety at Þingvellir: The Bergmál festival at Þingvellir is underway with major road closures from 3:00 PM to midnight and a large police presence expected for around 20,000 attendees. Reykjavík Pool Repairs: Vesturbæjarlaug’s outdoor pool relining has been deferred; the city will do localised lining repairs after safety assessments found systemic defects. Cybersecurity for Healthcare: Varist launched a DICOM detection engine aimed at spotting malware hidden in medical imaging and health-record file formats. Culture & Immersion: Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi’s Fischersund and the ÁRA spatial-audio experience are bringing a multi-sensory “deep listening” event to the Schwarzman Centre.

Nordic Noir Spotlight: Icelandic series Black Sands returns for a second season on U, picking up 14 months after a serial killer was hiding in plain sight in the coastal town of Glerársandar, with police officer Aníta juggling motherhood and a new suspicious death that drags up old trauma. Rescue & Safety: About 80 rescuers responded to a hiker with a broken leg at Háifoss in Þjórsárdalur, with specialist teams and extra communications support due to unreliable radio coverage. Whaling Clash: Iceland’s whaling hunt resumes after a two-year pause as two vessels head out, drawing fresh protests; one protester says he was distressed when the ship sailed while he was still aboard, and a complaint has been lodged with police over alleged passenger registration without consent. EU Referendum: Iceland will vote on 29 August on whether to restart EU membership talks, with opponents warning it’s a “worst business idea” and a major democratic step away. Local Governance: Reykjavík delays full relining of Vesturbæjarlaug pool, opting for localised repairs after systemic lining defects were found. Culture & Travel: Bergmál festival at Þingvellir goes ahead with road closures and a large police presence, while easyJet announces new winter flights from Liverpool to Reykjavik.

Travel & Transport: easyJet has announced two new winter routes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport—Reykjavik starting 2 Nov 2026 (twice weekly) and Finnish Lapland’s Kittilä from 25 Nov 2026 (twice weekly)—giving UK travellers a direct winter gateway to Iceland’s geothermal sights and Northern Lights. Public Safety: A driver died after a head-on crash on Hálsasveitarvegur north of Reykholt on June 16; two passenger vehicles collided and those involved were airlifted to Landspítali. Whaling & Activism: Icelandic whaling is set to resume after a two-year pause, with two vessels leaving Reykjavík for preparatory work; meanwhile, a protest-related complaint has been lodged after an activist was allegedly registered as a passenger without consent. Civic Life: Reykjanesbær has asked all local institutions to fly the Icelandic flag continuously through summer, following updated rules allowing 24/7 display from 1 May to 15 August. Education Policy: The Teachers’ Association is urging flexibility in proposed primary-school smartphone rules, warning strict bans could create enforcement problems and unnecessary conflict. Cybersecurity: Varist launched a DICOM Detection Engine aimed at spotting malware hidden in medical imaging and health-record files. Midsummer Logistics: Traffic restrictions are planned around Þingvellir for the Bergmál festival on June 20, with road closures from 15:00 to midnight.

Whaling Returns: Icelandic whalers are resuming a controversial fin whale hunt after a two-year pause, with two vessels leaving Reykjavík for preparatory work and a quota of 150 fin whales and 168 minke whales for the year. Protest Fallout: A complaint has been filed with police over an activist allegedly being registered as a passenger on Hvalur 9 without consent, raising questions about how a protest voyage was handled. Information Integrity: Experts at a Reykjavík conference warned that social media and AI are making disinformation harder to contain, stressing the need for trusted journalism to protect public trust. Road Safety: A driver died after a head-on crash near Reykholt, with multiple people airlifted to Landspítali. Travel Disruption: Ten travel firms have collapsed since late 2025, leaving customers chasing refunds and compensation as trips are cancelled. Education Policy: The Teachers’ Association is urging flexibility on smartphone rules in primary schools, warning strict bans could create enforcement problems. Culture & Travel: Reykjavík Arts Festival is using Fischersund’s scent-and-music concept, while midsummer travel interest is surging around the solstice.

Travel Disruption: A UK travel agency, Trav Expert (trading as Best4trips, Travel Crew and Air waay), has lost its Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) status and has cancelled trips after taking down its sites, leaving customers without the usual government-backed protection. Solar Eclipse Tourism: Iceland’s Aug. 12 total solar eclipse is expected to pass over the Reykjanes Peninsula, with the Blue Lagoon pitching a premium viewing package including glasses, masks and transfers. Air Travel Watch: easyJet is expanding winter flying, adding Reykjavik from Liverpool (from Nov. 2) plus Kittilä, while airport data shows European passenger numbers dipped 0.7% in Apr-2026, with Iceland among the smaller declines. Local Infrastructure & Climate Risk: Seward Highway’s Milepost 14 crossing is set for a major overhaul as glacial flood threats (jökulhlaups) rise. Culture & National Day: National Day celebrations drew crowds in Reykjavík, with wreath-laying, performances and a full downtown programme. Sports (Iceland in Europe): Víkingur Reykjavík is in the mix for Israeli club European qualifiers, with a potential Champions League tie path involving Iceland.

US Open Golf: Iceland’s Arni Sveinsson, first from the country to qualify for the tournament, teed off at Shinnecock Hills after a surreal run to the course. Reykjavík Arts Festival: A new “Poetic Perfumes” project for the festival blends scents inspired by Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi and the Fischersund family. National Day Across Iceland: Celebrations marked Iceland’s independence with speeches, wreath-laying in Reykjavík, and events running from Austurvöllur to local programs nationwide. Travel & Connectivity: easyJet announced winter expansion including new Reykjavik flights from Liverpool and more routes across Europe. EU Membership Debate: Iceland’s EU referendum plans are moving toward a “moment of truth,” with the campaign framed against Brexit-style fears and Arctic geopolitics. Fisheries Watch: Cod catches may stay capped for years as weak year classes and capelin troubles ripple through Iceland’s fishing economy. Business: Alvotech updates its public offering and private placement plans as it raises fresh funding. Culture & Film: Munich Industry Days spotlight Nordic producers, with Icelandic talent among the focus.

National Day diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent congratulations to Iceland on its 82nd National Day, highlighting 75 years of defense cooperation and growing trade in energy, data, biotech and the marine economy. Local celebrations: Reykjavík laid out a full National Day program, including a wreath-laying ceremony at Austurvöllur and events across the city, with festivities also planned nationwide. Sports and Iceland on the move: A young Icelandic golfer, Arni Sveinsson, became the first from Iceland to qualify for the U.S. Open and is teeing off at Shinnecock Hills after training in Iceland’s midnight-sun summer. Weather watch: Southwest Iceland is forecast to be the warmest on June 17, with highs around 12–14°C, while the north and east stay cooler and wetter. Infrastructure and safety: A serious traffic crash in Reykholt, Borgarfjörður, sent an Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter to transport three injured people to hospital. Space weather risk: A report on how New Zealand prepares for rare geomagnetic storms underscores the growing need for grid readiness as solar activity threatens power systems.

National Day diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent Iceland National Day greetings, highlighting 75 years of defense cooperation and growing trade ties. National Day in Reykjavík: The City of Reykjavík laid out a full June 17 program: a parade from Hallgrímskirkja, concerts at Hljómskálagarðurinn and Klambratún, and a wreath-laying ceremony on Austurvöllur Square with PM Kristrún Frostadóttir and President Halla Tómasdóttir, plus the “accordion” events. National Day across Iceland: Celebrations are also planned around the country, with local events running alongside the main capital ceremonies. Sports draw (Iceland clubs): UEFA’s Champions League second qualifying round draw includes Víkingur Reykjavík in the Champions Path, while Icelandic side Vestri is in the Europa League/Conference League orbit depending on results. Culture & heritage: A University of Iceland professor doubts the 1682 Höfði ship carried major manuscripts, as archaeologists prepare a summer search. Travel & weather: Iceland tops a “Summer Heat Escape Index” for beating the heat, and Southwest Iceland is forecast as the warmest area on June 17. Safety: A serious crash in Reykholt, Borgarfjörður sent a Coast Guard helicopter to transport three injured people to hospital.

National Arena Update: Iceland’s new multi-purpose National Arena for Reykjavík is moving ahead after a winning design-and-build bid was selected; the project in Laugardalur is set at ISK 16.8 billion (with VAT) and aims to meet international standards for sport, concerts, and major events. Public Safety: A serious traffic accident in Reykholt, Borgarfjörður sent an Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter to airlift three injured people to Landspítali; two were cut from a vehicle. Weather Watch: Southwest Iceland is expected to be the warmest on June 17 (Iceland’s National Day), with highs around 12–14°C, though northeasterly winds and cloud cover are likely. Film & Gaming: Blumhouse and Atomic Monster’s live-action Dead by Daylight movie has locked in director Thordur Palsson and plans to begin filming in 2027, following the game’s 10th-anniversary stream. Whaling: Icelandic whaling firm Hvalur says it will resume fin whale hunts this summer after a two-year gap, drawing fresh criticism from conservation groups. Tourism & Local Life: Laugarás Lagoon reports 88,000 visitors since opening in October 2025, with Icelanders making up about 75% of guests so far.

EU Membership Vote Push: Iceland’s finance minister Daði Már Kristófersson tells Reuters EU membership is vital for the economy and security as Arctic rivalry and trade wars intensify; a public vote on restarting talks is set for Aug. 29, with any deal requiring a second referendum. Whaling Returns: Icelandic whaling firm Hvalur says it will resume fin whale hunts this summer after a two-year gap, aiming at a quota of 150 fin whales, drawing fresh criticism from conservation groups. Rescue Fleet Upgrade: Landsbjörg’s new rescue vessel Sveinbjörn Sveinsson has arrived at its home port in Vopnafjörður after a rough-weather delivery run along the coast. Sports Infrastructure: Reykjavík has selected Iceland Prime Contractor to build a new national sports arena in Laugardalur, a ISK 16.8 billion project meant for teams, schools and major events. Tourism Shift: A new report says Iceland’s tourism boom is still strong, but the strategy is moving from chasing visitor numbers to managing where people go and the impact they leave behind. Puffin Help: On Heimay, locals run nightly “puffling patrols” during Puffling Season to rescue young puffins confused by town lights. Film Spotlight: Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Behaviour Interactive confirm Icelandic director Thordur Palsson will direct the Dead by Daylight movie, with the screenplay already completed.

Volcanic Watch: Iceland’s Meteorological Office says Bárðarbunga remains on a yellow alert as about 400 earthquakes were recorded since a swarm began shortly after 8 p.m., peaking until around 3 a.m.; activity is easing but officials say it’s too early to tell if the swarm is dying out. EU Debate: A campaigner for reopening EU talks argues Iceland would benefit from joining the euro and gaining a seat in EU rule-making, saying the current EEA setup leaves Iceland “no seat at the table” and keeps the krona as an “inflationary machine.” Culture & Arts: Genelec audio gear is at the heart of Björk’s immersive Echolalia exhibition at the National Gallery of Iceland, using a multi-speaker setup to deliver choir voices across three large installations. International Spotlight: Icelandic director Thordur Palsson has been tapped to direct the Dead by Daylight film adaptation, with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Behaviour Interactive confirming a completed screenplay and no release date yet. Wildlife: A rare beluga whale was spotted in East Iceland near Reyðarfjörður, according to a local report.

Dead by Daylight Film: Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Behaviour Interactive have named Icelandic director Thordur Palsson to helm the long-awaited movie adaptation, with the screenplay already finished and no release date yet. Palsson, known for Netflix’s The Valhalla Murders and the horror feature The Damned, says he wants to capture the game’s dread and tension. Volcano Watch: Iceland’s Meteorological Office reports about 400 earthquakes at Bárðarbunga since a swarm began after 8 p.m., with the alert still yellow and activity easing but not clearly over. EU & the Krona: A campaigner argues EU membership would help Iceland escape the krona’s “inflation machine,” while another report says Iceland is close to euro adoption criteria but not fully meeting them. Tourism & Travel: A Reddit-based study ranks Iceland among the world’s top five “life-changing” travel destinations, and Oceania Cruises says its 2027 northern Europe sailings will include calls in Iceland. Wildlife: A rare beluga whale was spotted in East Iceland near Reyðarfjörður. Culture: Genelec is supplying immersive audio for Björk’s Echolalia exhibition at the National Gallery of Iceland.