Iceland



Iceland’s education system under scrutiny: High grades, low standards

Iceland’s education system is not yielding the expected results despite significant investment, according to Andreas Schleicher, head of education at the OECD, which conducts the PISA assessments. Schleicher argues that Icelandic students often receive hig

Use of force, arrests, and firearms Training: A glimpse into police studies

Kristófer Daði Davíðsson, Maren Eir Halldórsdóttir, and Eva María Jónsdóttir are first-year police science students with a shared background in Western Iceland. Davíðsson is from Borgarfjörður, Halldórsdóttir from Hvanneyri, and Jónsdóttir fr
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Use of force, arrests, and firearms Training: A glimpse into police studies

Kristófer Daði Davíðsson, Maren Eir Halldórsdóttir, and Eva María Jónsdóttir are first-year police science students with a shared background in Western Iceland. Davíðsson is from Borgarfjörður, Halldórsdóttir from Hvanneyri, and Jónsdóttir from Akranes. Aged 21, 22, and 24, respectively, they are on the path to realizing their long-held dreams of becoming police officers.

Theft of creative works is unforgivable, says Ragnar Jónasson

“Technology evolves so rapidly that we cannot predict its consequences. The landscape could be entirely different in a year or two. This is a very serious issue,” warns Ragnar Jónasson, author and vice-chairman of the Icelandic Writers’ Association.
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Theft of creative works is unforgivable, says Ragnar Jónasson

“Technology evolves so rapidly that we cannot predict its consequences. The landscape could be entirely different in a year or two. This is a very serious issue,” warns Ragnar Jónasson, author and vice-chairman of the Icelandic Writers’ Association.

Kúnstpása: Empowering through art

“Finding themselves as artists in the community has been incredibly empowering for our participants. Instead of focusing on their illness, they have been creating, discovering their artistic identity, and simply enjoying the process. Moving the project out
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Kúnstpása: Empowering through art

“Finding themselves as artists in the community has been incredibly empowering for our participants. Instead of focusing on their illness, they have been creating, discovering their artistic identity, and simply enjoying the process. Moving the project out of the hospital and into a public space was key in bridging connections between people. Our partners feel the same—it is truly rewarding to see how much participants enjoy being among peers. We witness a significant transformation in them after taking part in Kúnstpása.”

Seismic activity increases near Grindavík: Eruption could be imminent

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, seismic activity intensified overnight near the Sundhnúkagígar crater row and the Grindavík area. Around ten earthquakes were recorded near the magma tunnel, prompting heightened vigilance among monitoring
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Seismic activity increases near Grindavík: Eruption could be imminent

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, seismic activity intensified overnight near the Sundhnúkagígar crater row and the Grindavík area. Around ten earthquakes were recorded near the magma tunnel, prompting heightened vigilance among monitoring teams.

Europe stands firm on sanctions, strengthens support for Ukraine

Europe has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, making it clear that trade sanctions against Russia will remain firmly in place. This was the key message from a high-level summit in Paris, where leaders from 27 European nations gathered to discuss o
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Europe stands firm on sanctions, strengthens support for Ukraine

Europe has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, making it clear that trade sanctions against Russia will remain firmly in place. This was the key message from a high-level summit in Paris, where leaders from 27 European nations gathered to discuss ongoing aid for Ukraine, ceasefire negotiations, and long-term security measures.

Volcanologist: Previous eruption assumptions no longer hold

Volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson cautions that it is impossible to predict if or when another eruption will occur on the Reykjanes Peninsula, as the assumptions previously used to forecast eruptions are no longer reliable.
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Volcanologist: Previous eruption assumptions no longer hold

Volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson cautions that it is impossible to predict if or when another eruption will occur on the Reykjanes Peninsula, as the assumptions previously used to forecast eruptions are no longer reliable.

The Independence Party is now the largest in a new poll

A new survey by Maskína for Vísir shows the Independence Party leading with 24.3% support, making it the largest political party in the country. The Social Democratic Alliance has gained ground, while the Liberal Reform Party remains stable and the People&#
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The Independence Party is now the largest in a new poll

A new survey by Maskína for Vísir shows the Independence Party leading with 24.3% support, making it the largest political party in the country. The Social Democratic Alliance has gained ground, while the Liberal Reform Party remains stable and the People's Party sees a decline.

Venezuelan criminal organization has ties to Iceland

The notorious Venezuelan criminal organization El Tren Aragua has established “connections to Iceland,” according to a recent report by the news commentary program Þetta helst, on RÚV, the National Broadcasting Corporation.
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Venezuelan criminal organization has ties to Iceland

The notorious Venezuelan criminal organization El Tren Aragua has established “connections to Iceland,” according to a recent report by the news commentary program Þetta helst, on RÚV, the National Broadcasting Corporation.

Thousands invited to participate in landmark cancer study

In a groundbreaking initiative, 16,000 people in Iceland have been invited to take part in a major study on quality of life after cancer.
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Thousands invited to participate in landmark cancer study

In a groundbreaking initiative, 16,000 people in Iceland have been invited to take part in a major study on quality of life after cancer.

Proposed changes could have yielded an additional ISK 10 b last year

Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Daði Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance, introduced a proposal today to amend the law on fishing fees, which includes adjustments to the registered catch values for both demersal and pelag
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Proposed changes could have yielded an additional ISK 10 b last year

Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Daði Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance, introduced a proposal today to amend the law on fishing fees, which includes adjustments to the registered catch values for both demersal and pelagic fish.

«Heading for a magma run before too long»

The ongoing inflation and frequent earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula suggest that a new eruption may be imminent, according to Páll Einarsson, professor emeritus of geophysics at the University of Iceland. "The inflation continues, and earthquakes a
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«Heading for a magma run before too long»

The ongoing inflation and frequent earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula suggest that a new eruption may be imminent, according to Páll Einarsson, professor emeritus of geophysics at the University of Iceland. "The inflation continues, and earthquakes are occurring correspondingly. Everything points to a magma run before too long," Einarsson stated when discussing the current situation.

2023 saw a surge in violent crime, police chief reports

“There was something that happened in 2023. That was the biggest increase in violent crimes and criminal offenses we’ve seen. All the numbers went up,” says Páley Borgþórsdóttir, police chief for the Northeastern Police. She explains that while auth
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2023 saw a surge in violent crime, police chief reports

“There was something that happened in 2023. That was the biggest increase in violent crimes and criminal offenses we’ve seen. All the numbers went up,” says Páley Borgþórsdóttir, police chief for the Northeastern Police. She explains that while authorities had hoped for a reversal, the situation has not improved.

Government’s plan to raise fishing fees faces criticism from Fisheries Industry

The Icelandic Fisheries Industry Association (SFS) has strongly criticized the government’s plan to double fishing fees, a proposal set to be presented today. According to the association, the move will lead to job losses, reduce state revenue, and ultimate
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Government’s plan to raise fishing fees faces criticism from Fisheries Industry

The Icelandic Fisheries Industry Association (SFS) has strongly criticized the government’s plan to double fishing fees, a proposal set to be presented today. According to the association, the move will lead to job losses, reduce state revenue, and ultimately harm the country's fisheries sector.

A distress call from Langjökull Glacier

Just after midnight, the Emergency Line received a distress call from Langjökull glacier, near the mountain Klakka. Upon investigation, it was found that two men traveling on snowmobiles had encountered significant trouble.
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A distress call from Langjökull Glacier

Just after midnight, the Emergency Line received a distress call from Langjökull glacier, near the mountain Klakka. Upon investigation, it was found that two men traveling on snowmobiles had encountered significant trouble.

The Child who couldn't be spoken about: The hidden legacy of Jóhann Jónsson

Historian and journalist Guðmundur Magnússon is working on a biography of his great-uncle, the poet Jóhann Jónsson (1896–1932), whose works are widely considered to mark the beginning of modern poetry in Iceland. Jónsson, who died young from tuberculos
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The Child who couldn't be spoken about: The hidden legacy of Jóhann Jónsson

Historian and journalist Guðmundur Magnússon is working on a biography of his great-uncle, the poet Jóhann Jónsson (1896–1932), whose works are widely considered to mark the beginning of modern poetry in Iceland. Jónsson, who died young from tuberculosis, left behind poems that still resonate with Icelanders, including the well-known piece Söknuður ("Longing"), which begins with the haunting lines, "Where did the days of your life lose their color?"

New Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs appointed

Guðmundur Ingi Kristinsson has been appointed the new Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs, taking over from Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir. The change, confirmed in a statement by the People’s Party, took effect today.
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New Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs appointed

Guðmundur Ingi Kristinsson has been appointed the new Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs, taking over from Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir. The change, confirmed in a statement by the People’s Party, took effect today.

Bird flu threat remains as wild bird deaths decline in Iceland

Reports of wild bird deaths in Iceland have sharply decreased, according to a statement from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (IFVA), suggesting that the spread of bird flu may be slowing. Despite this, the occasional case of severe bird flu contin
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Bird flu threat remains as wild bird deaths decline in Iceland

Reports of wild bird deaths in Iceland have sharply decreased, according to a statement from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (IFVA), suggesting that the spread of bird flu may be slowing. Despite this, the occasional case of severe bird flu continues to be diagnosed, underscoring that the epidemic is far from over.

Eggert Jóhannesson wins News Photo of the Year 2024

Eggert Jóhannesson, a photographer for Morgunblaðið and mbl.is, has been awarded the News Photo of the Year 2024 by the Icelandic Press Photographers Association. The prestigious award was presented for his striking photograph taken in January 2024 during
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Eggert Jóhannesson wins News Photo of the Year 2024

Eggert Jóhannesson, a photographer for Morgunblaðið and mbl.is, has been awarded the News Photo of the Year 2024 by the Icelandic Press Photographers Association. The prestigious award was presented for his striking photograph taken in January 2024 during the search efforts in Grindavík for Lúðvík Pétursson, who went missing while working to fill cracks for the Icelandic Natural Disaster Insurance Agency.

Creditors receive nothing from Niceair bankruptcy estate

A recent meeting of the Niceair bankruptcy estate has confirmed that creditors will not receive any funds, as the estate was declared assetless.
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Creditors receive nothing from Niceair bankruptcy estate

A recent meeting of the Niceair bankruptcy estate has confirmed that creditors will not receive any funds, as the estate was declared assetless.

Denies confidentiality breach in ministerial scandal

The Prime Minister's Office has denied allegations that it breached confidentiality in a case involving Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, the outgoing Minister of Children and Education.
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Denies confidentiality breach in ministerial scandal

The Prime Minister's Office has denied allegations that it breached confidentiality in a case involving Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, the outgoing Minister of Children and Education.

Audio: A Liverpool legend in the house

The Norwegian midfielder and former Liverpool player, John Arne Riise, will be attending Jói Útherji in Ármúli next Saturday and will be there to meet guests and passersby and sign autographs.
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Audio: A Liverpool legend in the house

The Norwegian midfielder and former Liverpool player, John Arne Riise, will be attending Jói Útherji in Ármúli next Saturday and will be there to meet guests and passersby and sign autographs.

Þórsdóttir gives a statement: Says her child's father was a stalker

Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, the outgoing Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, has issued a statement following coverage that she had sex with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22. She had her first child with him.
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Þórsdóttir gives a statement: Says her child's father was a stalker

Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, the outgoing Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, has issued a statement following coverage that she had sex with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22. She had her first child with him.

Minister of Children’s Affairs resigns amid scandal

Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, Minister of Children’s Affairs in Kristrún Frostadóttir’s government, has resigned following revelations that she had a child with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22 years old, over 30 years ago.
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Minister of Children’s Affairs resigns amid scandal

Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, Minister of Children’s Affairs in Kristrún Frostadóttir’s government, has resigned following revelations that she had a child with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22 years old, over 30 years ago.

«The program is working» – Central Bank governor optimistic amid rate cut

Despite global concerns over a potential tariff war and its possible impact on Iceland, Central Bank Governor Ásgeir Jónsson struck a positive tone at today’s Monetary Policy Committee briefing. He expressed confidence that inflation will continue to decl
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«The program is working» – Central Bank governor optimistic amid rate cut

Despite global concerns over a potential tariff war and its possible impact on Iceland, Central Bank Governor Ásgeir Jónsson struck a positive tone at today’s Monetary Policy Committee briefing. He expressed confidence that inflation will continue to decline, which could pave the way for lower real interest rates.

Series of earthquakes recorded in Bárðarbunga

Several earthquakes were detected in Bárðarbunga this morning, the strongest measuring 4.2 in magnitude at 8:21 a.m.. A 2.9-magnitude tremor occurred shortly before, along with several smaller quakes beneath the glacier.
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Series of earthquakes recorded in Bárðarbunga

Several earthquakes were detected in Bárðarbunga this morning, the strongest measuring 4.2 in magnitude at 8:21 a.m.. A 2.9-magnitude tremor occurred shortly before, along with several smaller quakes beneath the glacier.

Seafood exports to North America surge as Eimskip expands shipping capacity

The growing importance of North America as a key market for Icelandic seafood has led Eimskip to significantly expand its shipping capacity on the American route.
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Seafood exports to North America surge as Eimskip expands shipping capacity

The growing importance of North America as a key market for Icelandic seafood has led Eimskip to significantly expand its shipping capacity on the American route.

Tensions build beneath the Sundhnúkagígar crater row

Scientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office are closely monitoring for any warning signs of an impending eruption. While their instruments have yet to detect definitive signals, recent increases in seismic activity suggest growing pressure beneath the e
mbl.is - News in English

Tensions build beneath the Sundhnúkagígar crater row

Scientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office are closely monitoring for any warning signs of an impending eruption. While their instruments have yet to detect definitive signals, recent increases in seismic activity suggest growing pressure beneath the eruption sites.

Police keep details under wraps in unusual homicide investigation

Police are maintaining a high level of discretion in an ongoing homicide investigation, citing investigative interests. The case is considered highly unusual, not only due to the homicide itself but also because it involves deprivation of liberty and extortio
mbl.is - News in English

Police keep details under wraps in unusual homicide investigation

Police are maintaining a high level of discretion in an ongoing homicide investigation, citing investigative interests. The case is considered highly unusual, not only due to the homicide itself but also because it involves deprivation of liberty and extortion—a rare combination in Icelandic legal history. Additionally, the number of individuals arrested and remanded in custody is remarkable.

Live: Monitoring the situation on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Signs point to an imminent eighth eruption in the ongoing Sundhnúkagígar crater row, which began in December 2023. The magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi has now surpassed levels recorded before the last eruption, which ended on December 9.
mbl.is - News in English

Live: Monitoring the situation on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Signs point to an imminent eighth eruption in the ongoing Sundhnúkagígar crater row, which began in December 2023. The magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi has now surpassed levels recorded before the last eruption, which ended on December 9.

Icelandic seafood industry on edge as tariff concerns loom at Boston Expo

Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Iceland’s Minister of Industry and Trade, is attending the Seafood Expo North America 2025 in Boston, where she is meeting with key stakeholders to discuss trade relations and the potential impact of U.S. import tariffs on Icelan
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Icelandic seafood industry on edge as tariff concerns loom at Boston Expo

Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Iceland’s Minister of Industry and Trade, is attending the Seafood Expo North America 2025 in Boston, where she is meeting with key stakeholders to discuss trade relations and the potential impact of U.S. import tariffs on Icelandic seafood.

No signs of deformation as Reykjanes Peninsula braces for possible eruption

The situation at the Sundhnúkagígar crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula remains stable, with no signs of ground deformation indicating an imminent eruption, according to Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Meteorolog
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No signs of deformation as Reykjanes Peninsula braces for possible eruption

The situation at the Sundhnúkagígar crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula remains stable, with no signs of ground deformation indicating an imminent eruption, according to Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Little hope for lasting peace in Ukraine, says historian

There is little optimism that ongoing peace efforts will lead to a lasting resolution in the Ukraine war, according to British-Russian historian Sergey Radchenko, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University. In an interview with Morgunbla
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Little hope for lasting peace in Ukraine, says historian

There is little optimism that ongoing peace efforts will lead to a lasting resolution in the Ukraine war, according to British-Russian historian Sergey Radchenko, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University. In an interview with Morgunblaðið during his visit to Iceland on Friday, Radchenko discussed the ongoing conflict and delivered a seminar on the situation at the University of Iceland.

From cockpit to coastline: Former pilot turns to fishing in Grindavík

For years, Einar Dagbjartsson, a retired Icelandair pilot, dreamed of making small-boat fishing his livelihood rather than just a hobby. Now, that dream is becoming a reality.
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From cockpit to coastline: Former pilot turns to fishing in Grindavík

For years, Einar Dagbjartsson, a retired Icelandair pilot, dreamed of making small-boat fishing his livelihood rather than just a hobby. Now, that dream is becoming a reality.

“Ready for anything to erupt” – experts closely monitoring Reykjanes activity

While the Sundhnúkagígar crater row in Reykjanes remains calm for now, seismic activity continues beneath the surface. In the past 12 hours, six earthquakes have been recorded near the magma chamber, the largest measuring 1.3 in magnitude.
mbl.is - News in English

“Ready for anything to erupt” – experts closely monitoring Reykjanes activity

While the Sundhnúkagígar crater row in Reykjanes remains calm for now, seismic activity continues beneath the surface. In the past 12 hours, six earthquakes have been recorded near the magma chamber, the largest measuring 1.3 in magnitude.

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