Icelandic voters reject EU membership talks in referendum

On Saturday, Iceland's electorate decisively turned down a proposal to resume discussions about joining the European Union, with 52.8% opposing and 47.2% supporting the initiative, as reported by the National Electoral Commission. The left-leaning coalition government, which took office in 2024, advanced the vote from the following year after US President Donald Trump frequently referenced Iceland in relation to his interest in Greenland. The fishing sector spearheaded the resistance, concerned that the EU's common fisheries policy would allow foreign trawlers into Icelandic waters. Advocates for EU membership contended it would enhance geopolitical stability amid Trump's threats toward Greenland. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir acknowledged the outcome but suggested future discussions could occur if "something big has to change in the next 24 months." Voter turnout exceeded 82%, with over 270,000 eligible voters participating. This decision temporarily settles a contentious issue that has lingered since a Eurosceptic government halted EU negotiations following the 2008 financial crisis.