This was the tough message the country took to Brussels this week when Iceland formally began EU accession talks. Iceland's Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson told EU ministers that his country must keep control of its rich fishing grounds because they are vital to the country's exports. In fact fish  and seafood products account for almost half of the total export revenue  account.

However, Mr Skarphedinsson suggested that the fishing grounds should become a specific management area under the control of Reykjavik. His tough stance will no doubt please Iceland's fish catching industry, but it is still firmly opposed to EU membership because it fears that over time the Europeans may gradually win more influence over its fish stocks and fish policy, just as it has done around the British coastline. The latest opinion polls show that around 60 per cent of Icelanders are opposed to EU membership - and the figure is rising.

Iceland, which along with Norway and Japan blocked an international agreement on whaling  is also standing firm on this issue which is opposed by most other EU states. Officials set no deadline for the talks that look set to last well into next year before Icelanders are asked to make their choice in a referendum.

Belgian Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere, who chaired the foreign ministers meeting, said while Iceland was a modern country and  had a market economy "we have to face the facts. There is work to be done."

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