Iceland votes against restarting EU accession talks

Icelandic voters rejected a government proposal to restart accession talks with the European Union, with 52.8% voting against and 47.2% in favour, according to official results released by public broadcaster RUV. The referendum, held on Saturday, was non-binding but the government said it would respect the outcome.

Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir had framed the issue as a decisive moment, warning that a ‘No’ vote would end speculation about EU membership. She added that, should the result be ‘No’, the topic would not be placed on the political agenda again during her term, which runs until 2028.

Supporters of joining the bloc argued that EU membership could lower interest rates and provide greater security amid global tensions, while opponents warned that it would jeopardise Iceland’s sovereignty and its fishing industry, which employs a large share of the population.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos noted that Iceland’s particular circumstances in fisheries and agriculture would need careful consideration and expressed confidence that creative solutions could be found with member states.

Iceland remains linked to the EU through the European Economic Area and the Schengen free-movement zone, arrangements that will continue unchanged. The government is expected to outline its next steps in a media conference later on Sunday.