What to know about Iceland’s vote on whether to restart talks to join the EU

Icelanders are set to decide on Saturday whether to restart talks to join the European Union (EU). The decision comes amid concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's reference to Greenland, a neighboring country, as "a piece of ice, cold and poorly located." This comment, which repeatedly used the name "Iceland," could help strengthen Iceland's push for EU membership.

The nation, home to 400,000 people, currently participates in the EU's single market through the European Economic Area and is part of the Schengen free-travel zone. However, the debate centers around sovereignty, with opponents arguing that Iceland already enjoys all the benefits of European integration without drawbacks. Supporters, on the other hand, see EU membership as a way to insulate the country from geopolitical instability and gain economic benefits.

The referendum is a first step towards potentially joining the 27-nation bloc. If voters approve, Iceland would enter a lengthy negotiation process with the European Commission, addressing 35 sets of criteria ranging from financial systems to fisheries. Any agreement would require approval from all current EU member nations and a final vote by Icelandic citizens.