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Iceland voters reject talks to rejoin EU, national broadcaster says
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Icelandic voters rejected a proposal to restart EU membership negotiations, with 52.8% voting against and 47.2% in favor, according to the national broadcaster RUV.
- The referendum was influenced by recent U.S. President Donald Trump's threats toward Greenland, prompting some voters to consider European solidarity for security reasons.
- Opposition centered on protecting Iceland's fishing industry and maintaining sovereignty without the compromises required by full EU membership, while supporters highlighted economic stability and cooperation on transnational issues like climate change.
- The vote was closely contested, with Reykjavik being the only region to support EU talks, and the government had moved the referendum up following Trump's remarks.
- Had the measure passed, it would have initiated renewed accession talks with the EU, but any final agreement would still require voter approval.
