Iceland holds referendum on resuming EU membership negotiations
Icelanders are voting in a referendum on Saturday to decide whether to restart membership negotiations with the European Union. The country, with a population of just under 400,000, applied to join the EU after a financial crisis in 2009 but suspended talks in 2013 when a eurosceptic government took power. Opinion polls suggest a very close outcome between the 'Yes' and 'No' sides. Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir expressed optimism about the 'Yes' vote. Approximately 273,000 voters are participating, with initial reliable results expected late Saturday. A 'Yes' vote would lead to negotiations with Brussels, followed by another referendum on actual membership. Key issues include fisheries, which Iceland wants to control exclusively, though Brussels appears more open to compromise. While Iceland's economy is currently flourishing, some citizens question the need for EU membership, citing existing access to the single market through the European Economic Area. Others are drawn to the prospect of joining the eurozone due to soaring inflation and high interest rates in Iceland. Geopolitical factors, such as the war in Ukraine and the unpredictability of US President Donald Trump, are also influencing the debate, raising concerns about Iceland's security arrangements. The EU is closely watching the outcome, viewing Icelandic membership as a positive example for future enlargement and potentially influencing other non-EU countries like Norway.
