Iceland Votes Against Resuming EU Membership Talks

Icelanders have voted against the government’s proposal to resume negotiations on joining the European Union.

According to official results reported by Iceland’s public broadcaster RUV, 52.8% voted against reopening EU accession talks, while 47.2% supported the proposal.

The referendum represents a setback for the EU, which had hoped to bring Iceland closer to membership and viewed the country as a potential example of successful EU enlargement.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir had described the vote as a “now or never” moment. Supporters of EU membership argued that joining the bloc could help reduce high interest rates and strengthen Iceland’s security amid growing international tensions.

Opponents, however, warned that EU membership could threaten Iceland’s sovereignty and negatively affect its important fishing industry. Around 90% of companies in Iceland’s fishing sector reportedly opposed resuming accession talks.

Although the referendum is not legally binding, the Icelandic government has pledged to respect the outcome. Parliament will also consider whether Iceland should formally withdraw its EU membership application.

Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009 during a major financial crisis, but a Eurosceptic government suspended the negotiations in 2013.

Iceland will remain closely connected to the EU through its membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen free-movement area.

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