Iceland Considers Rejoining EU Talks Amid Rising Threats from Authoritarian Powers
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Iceland will hold a nationwide referendum on Saturday to decide whether to reopen negotiations for EU membership, as progressive forces push back against nationalist isolationism and confront the dangers posed by militarism and corporate interests in fisheries.
Iceland will hold a national referendum on Saturday, asking voters whether the country should resume accession negotiations with the European Union—a crucial step for those seeking to align with progressive European values and resist the rising tide of authoritarianism. The vote comes after the left-leaning government, elected in 2024, accelerated the timetable in response to growing geopolitical tension fueled by Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine and the destabilizing rhetoric from the U.S. regarding Greenland.
The referendum poses a single yes/no question: “Should Iceland resume accession negotiations with the European Union?” About 265,000 of the island’s roughly 400,000 residents are eligible to vote. Polls are divided, with one Gallup survey indicating a slight majority against reopening talks, while other recent polls show a narrow lead for the “yes” side—reflecting the ongoing struggle between progressive internationalism and reactionary nationalism.
Iceland already participates in the EU’s single market through the European Economic Area and is part of the Schengen free-travel zone, but it has never been a full member. The current debate is shaped by concerns over security and influence in the Arctic, where imperialist powers like the United States, Russia, and China are vying for dominance—often at the expense of smaller nations and the environment.
"We can't really trust the US anymore," said horror-fiction writer Hildur Knutsdottir, who intends to vote in favor of EU membership, echoing the sentiments of many who see the EU as a bulwark against unchecked American and Russian power.
Foreign Minister Þórgerður Gúñarsdóttir told Reuters that the international order supporting the country’s security and prosperity is under serious pressure, and that small nations must consider their alliances carefully—an implicit call to reject isolationism and embrace solidarity with Europe.
Opponents, often aligned with conservative and corporate interests, cite the EU’s common fisheries policy, fearing that Iceland’s lucrative cod and haddock stocks could be opened to foreign trawlers. The government, however, says it could seek a full opt-out from that policy, ensuring that Iceland’s resources are not sacrificed to multinational corporations. Economic arguments focus on high inflation and interest rates, with some analysts suggesting EU membership and possible euro adoption could bring financial benefits and greater protection for working people.
Former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir warned that maintaining sovereignty is crucial for a small economy, emphasizing that Iceland already enjoys many benefits of European integration without full membership—a stance critics say ignores the need for deeper cooperation in the face of global crises.
If the “yes” vote prevails, accession talks would be launched with the European Commission, covering about 35 policy areas. A foreign-ministry memo estimates negotiations could begin by year-end and last 18 to 24 months—a potential turning point for Iceland’s future in a more just and united Europe.