Key facts
- Iceland's referendum on resuming EU membership talks is extremely close, with only 435 votes separating 'Yes' and 'No' after counting 153,197 of 270,000 eligible votes.
- A 'Yes' vote would signal a move towards accession negotiations, while a 'No' vote would not permanently rule out future talks.
- The debate has largely centered on the fishing industry, with many 'No' voters concerned about ceding control under the EU's common fisheries policy.
- Iceland is already part of the EU's single market and Schengen area but not the customs union or euro.
- Security concerns, including Russia's maritime activity and US President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland, have also influenced the discussion.
Iceland's referendum on whether to resume membership talks with the European Union is too close to call, with initial results showing a near-even split. As of the latest count, 50.1% of the 153,197 votes cast rejected the government's proposal, while 49.9% supported it, leaving a margin of just 435 votes among the 270,000 eligible voters.
The debate has been heavily influenced by concerns over the fishing industry, which accounts for nearly 40% of Iceland's exports. Many 'No' voters fear that EU membership would lead to a loss of control over lucrative fishing grounds under the EU's common fisheries policy.
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir's center-left government brought the referendum forward due to international tensions, including threats from US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland and increased Russian maritime activity near Iceland. Iceland, a founder member of NATO, lacks its own military and relies on allies for defense.
Iceland initially applied to join the EU in 2009 following the 2008 financial crisis, with its application well advanced before a eurosceptic government halted talks in 2013. While a 'Yes' vote would not finalize EU membership but rather signal a move towards accession negotiations requiring a second referendum, a 'No' vote would not preclude future discussions.