Iceland votes on whether to start EU membership talks
Polls show a razor-thin race as supporters say EU talks could ease high rates and boost security, while opponents warn of lost control over fisheries.
- On Saturday, Icelanders voted on whether to reopen European Union membership talks, with the nation of roughly 400,000 people deeply divided over sovereignty, fishing rights, and the cost of living.
- Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir advocates for reopening negotiations, citing security pressures in a shifting international order. Supporters argue membership could ease high inflation and interest rates, which stand at 8.00%.
- Former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir warned on Thursday that "For a country like ours with our small economy, it's very important to maintain our sovereignty." Opponents fear membership would compromise control over fishing waters.
- Should voters approve, the decision would only initiate discussions with Brussels. Vilhjalmur Hilmarsson, chief economist at Viska, said membership "could become a catalyst to a more healthy economy" despite not solving structural faults.
- A foreign ministry memo estimates accession talks could span 18 to 24 months if negotiations resume by the end of 2026. A mandatory general election by November 2028 adds political uncertainty to any negotiating timeline.
212 Articles
212 Articles
Iceland votes whether to resume EU accession negotiationsIcelanders decide whether to resume EU membership talks. The result of the referendum may affect the geopolitical attractiveness of the block.
A referendum is being held in Iceland today on whether talks regarding accession to the European Union (EU) should be resumed. In the polls preceding the vote, the 'yes' and 'no' camps were neck and neck. Iceland is already a member of the Schengen Area, the European Economic Area, and NATO. In response to the economic crisis, the country submitted a request to join the European Union in 2009, seeking greater economic stability. However, in 201…
(London=Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Ji-yeon = On the 29th (local time), a referendum began in Iceland on whether to resume negotiations for accession to the European Union (EU) for the first time in 13 years.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Iceland split down the middle as country votes on joining EU
The race is too close to call
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
