Key facts
- Icelandic voters rejected resuming EU membership talks with Brussels by 52.8%.
- The campaign featured inaccurate claims, particularly concerning fisheries and EU membership costs.
- Conflicting reports emerged about discussions between Iceland's foreign minister and the Dutch Prime Minister regarding fisheries exemptions.
- Iceland's status within the European Economic Area (EEA) was a point of contention, with some arguing it already receives EU benefits.
- The fisheries sector is economically significant for Iceland, accounting for 4% of its workforce and 8% of its GDP.
Icelandic voters have rejected resuming negotiations for EU membership, with 52.8% voting against it in a referendum held on August 29. Talks between Iceland and the EU have been on hold since 2013.
The campaign was characterized by a significant number of inaccurate and conflicting claims, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of fisheries. Reports emerged suggesting that Iceland's Foreign Affairs Minister, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, had discussed special exemptions from the EU's Common Fisheries Policy with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. However, the Dutch government denied these claims, and Gunnarsdóttir later refuted the misreporting, prompting media outlets to acknowledge their errors.
Control over fishing grounds is a deeply guarded aspect of Icelandic national identity, historically leading to confrontations like the Cod Wars with the UK. EU membership would likely necessitate Iceland relinquishing a portion of its fishing quota, though the exact amount remains a subject of debate among experts. Some argue the impact would be minimal, affecting migratory species, while others highlight the sector's substantial economic importance.
International relations expert Arno Minasian suggested that the lack of clarity and consensus on fisheries and agriculture negotiations, which were not reached in Iceland's previous EU accession attempt in 2009, may have dampened voter enthusiasm. The fisheries sector is a vital component of Iceland's economy, employing 4% of the workforce and contributing around 8% to its GDP.
Another misleading claim focused on Iceland's rights as a non-EU member within the European Economic Area (EEA). Former Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson argued that EEA membership already grants Iceland the benefits of the EU without the associated obligations. While Iceland, as part of the EEA, adheres to many EU economic regulations, it lacks a formal voice in EU decision-making bodies like the European Parliament and Commission and misses out on certain EU subsidies.
Discrepancies also arose regarding the financial cost of EU membership. The 'No' campaign estimated the annual cost at up to €1 billion, while pro-EU figures suggested it would be just over €50 million. An independent think tank, Evropustraumar, indicated that Iceland's net annual cost would be closer to €60 million.