Efnataugamót

Efnataugamót, also known as the "National Reconciliation Conference," was a significant political event held in Iceland in 1938. The conference was organized to address the country’s strained relationship with Denmark, its former colonial ruler, following the dissolution of the Danish-Icelandic Union in 1918. The union had granted Iceland a high degree of autonomy, but tensions persisted over economic and political matters, particularly after the global economic crisis of the 1930s.

The conference brought together political leaders, including representatives from Iceland’s main political parties, as well as diplomats and economists. Its primary goal was to negotiate a new agreement with Denmark that would resolve lingering disputes while ensuring Iceland’s sovereignty. Key topics discussed included trade relations, financial cooperation, and the status of Danish citizens living in Iceland. The negotiations resulted in the Efnataugamót Agreement, signed in 1938, which established a framework for continued economic and cultural ties between the two nations while reinforcing Iceland’s independence.

The event marked a turning point in Iceland’s diplomatic history, reinforcing its transition from a Danish protectorate to a fully sovereign state. It also set a precedent for future international agreements, demonstrating Iceland’s ability to engage in complex negotiations while preserving its national interests. The conference remains a notable example of how Iceland navigated its path toward full statehood during a period of significant political and economic change.