Iceland's attempt to resume negotiations for European Union (EU) membership has failed, as a majority of voters opposed the move in a recent referendum.
According to Iceland's public broadcaster RUV, all six electoral districts have reported results, showing 52.8% of voters against resuming negotiations, while 47.2% were in favor. Approximately 225,000 people participated in the vote, resulting in a high turnout rate of 82.5%.
Initially, the pro-EU side held a slight lead, but as votes from rural areas were counted, opposition surged ahead and widened the gap for a decisive victory. In the capital, Reykjavik, support for EU membership was stronger, but turnout was only in the 60% range, while rural districts saw participation rates exceeding 80%.
This referendum was initiated by the government that took office in 2024, which had pledged to restart EU membership negotiations. The government argued that amid unstable international conditions, including the war in Ukraine and U.S. pressure regarding Greenland, the EU could serve as a safeguard for security and the economy.
Conversely, opponents contended that EU membership would transfer some legislative and regulatory powers to the EU, potentially undermining national sovereignty and limiting Iceland's independent decision-making in its key fishing industry. There is also a prevailing sentiment that Iceland, which maintains one of the highest standards of living and income levels in the world, does not need to join the EU.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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