Key facts
- A poll shows 51.3% of Icelanders support restarting EU membership negotiations.
- The referendum on holding talks is scheduled for Saturday.
- Support for negotiations has slightly decreased since a previous poll.
- Iceland previously abandoned EU membership talks in 2013.
- Factors like cost of living and the war in Ukraine have rekindled interest in EU membership.
A narrow majority of Icelanders support restarting negotiations on joining the European Union, according to a new opinion poll released ahead of a nationwide referendum on Saturday. The August 21-25 survey by polling agency Maskina showed 51.3% of respondents backing talks with Brussels, while 48.7% were opposed.
The gap between supporters and opponents has narrowed since a previous poll on August 13, when 52.2% favored restarting talks. The upcoming ballot is not a vote on membership itself; any deal would require a second referendum.
Reykjavik abandoned EU membership talks in 2013, but recent years have seen a resurgence of interest driven by rising living costs and the war in Ukraine. Additionally, repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Greenland have contributed to the renewed focus on potential EU membership.
Iceland is already integrated into the European single market and the Schengen travel zone but lacks formal influence on EU decision-making. Membership would grant Iceland a direct voice in EU institutions and potentially lead to adopting the euro. A foreign ministry memo suggests accession talks could begin by the end of 2026 and conclude within 18 to 24 months if the referendum passes.