Icelanders reject EU membership talks in referendum

Icelanders have voted against reopening negotiations to join the European Union, rejecting the government’s campaign to revive the country’s long-running membership debate.

Broadcaster RUV reported on Sunday that the “no” side had secured victory, although votes from one constituency were still being counted. Those remaining ballots were not expected to alter the result.

The referendum focused heavily on Iceland’s fishing industry, economic pressures and national sovereignty. Opponents of EU membership argued that joining the bloc could threaten Iceland’s control over its valuable fishing waters and reduce its ability to make independent decisions.

The government had presented renewed EU membership talks as a crucial decision for the country. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir argued that closer ties with the bloc could provide greater economic and strategic security at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Supporters of reopening negotiations also pointed to Iceland’s high inflation, elevated interest rates and rising cost of living. They argued that EU membership and the possible adoption of the euro could eventually improve economic stability.

However, opponents dismissed those arguments, saying Iceland’s economic challenges should be addressed by domestic policymakers rather than relying on Brussels.

The referendum also came amid wider international tensions, including the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, US trade policies and increasing strategic interest in the Arctic region.

Iceland first applied for EU membership in 2009 during a severe financial crisis. Negotiations were later suspended and eventually abandoned by a Eurosceptic government in 2013.

The latest vote marks another setback for efforts to bring Iceland into the European Union and is expected to put the membership question on hold once again.