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Iceland holds knife-edge referendum on EU membership talks
DW.com • • general
Key Points:
- Iceland is holding a national referendum on Saturday to decide whether to restart negotiations to join the European Union, a process first attempted in 2009 but later shelved.
- The vote is closely contested, with recent polls showing a narrow divide between those for and against resuming EU accession talks amid rising geopolitical tensions related to Russia's war in Ukraine and concerns over Greenland.
- Iceland is already integrated with the EU through the European Economic Area and Schengen Area but has resisted full membership mainly due to fears over losing control of its fishing waters under the EU's common fisheries policy.
- Supporters of EU membership cite security concerns and geopolitical pressures, including threats from the US and Russia, while opponents emphasize national sovereignty and the benefits Iceland currently enjoys without full EU membership.
- If the referendum passes, Iceland would begin formal negotiations with the European Commission, a process expected to take 18 to 24 months, covering 35 areas including the economy and human rights.
