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Iceland goes to the polls in high-stakes EU referendum
Euronews.com • • world
Key Points:
- Icelanders are voting in a referendum on whether to resume EU accession talks or shelve the prospect of joining the European Union indefinitely, with polling stations open from 9am to 10pm local time.
- A "Yes" vote would reopen negotiations but not commit Iceland to membership, as any final deal would require another referendum for approval.
- Iceland initially applied to join the EU in 2009 but suspended talks in 2013 under a Eurosceptic government and formally withdrew its candidacy in 2015; the current pro-EU coalition won the 2024 election pledging to hold this referendum.
- Early voting turnout has been notably high, with over 15% of the electorate voting early by Wednesday, and polls show a very close race with 50.4% supporting "Yes" and 49.6% "No."
- The referendum is advisory, not legally binding, but a clear "Yes" would likely pressure Reykjavik to resume accession efforts, with initial results expected early Sunday.
