Key facts
- A Gallup poll shows 51.6% of Icelandic voters oppose reopening EU membership talks, while 48.4% support it.
- The referendum on Saturday is to decide whether to resume accession talks, not on final membership.
- A previous poll by Maskina indicated 51.3% in favor of resuming negotiations.
- Iceland abandoned EU accession talks in 2013.
- Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stated a 'no' vote would end EU speculation.
Icelanders are set to vote on Saturday on whether to reopen membership talks with the European Union, with polls indicating a split electorate. A recent Gallup poll suggests a narrow majority oppose resuming negotiations, a shift from earlier surveys. Supporters of reopening talks argue EU membership could ease high interest rates and provide greater security, while opponents contend it would threaten national sovereignty and fishing waters.
Iceland first applied to join the EU in 2009 but shelved the process in 2013. The current debate is fueled by concerns over the cost of living, high inflation, and interest rates, with proponents suggesting EU membership or adopting the euro could offer relief. Opponents, however, argue that domestic politicians should address these economic issues.
Fisheries remain a key point of contention, with opponents expressing skepticism about maintaining control over fishing waters under EU rules. Accession talks, if initiated, are estimated to take 18 to 24 months and could begin by the end of 2026, contingent on the referendum outcome and a general election scheduled by November 2028.