[SatNews] Iceland is on its way to becoming a EUMETSAT Member State in 2014.

This follows the signature of the accession agreement by EUMETSAT Director-General Alain Ratier and Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Minister for Environment and Natural Resources of Iceland on August 30th.

After the completion of the ratification process, Iceland will be fully involved in the strategic decisions of EUMETSAT’s ruling Council, in addition to having access to all EUMETSAT data and products.

Jóhannsson said, "Accurate weather forecasting is particularly important for Iceland and key industries, including fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Accession to EUMETSAT will improve our ability to predict our changeable weather, it will enhance surveillance of the atmosphere and natural phenomena and improve public safety."

Árni Snorrason, Director-General of the Icelandic Met Office, said, “Unlimited access to EUMETSAT data and products will benefit road construction, marine and natural science research, universities and software companies in Iceland. In addition, Icelandic companies will be able to bid for contracts and take part in projects within EUMETSAT.”

Ratier added, “By becoming a Member State, Iceland marks its recognition of the benefits provided by our satellites. This is an essential signal to all our Member States at a time when EUMETSAT needs to invest in the renewal of its system of polar-orbiting satellites.”