What to know about Iceland’s vote on whether to restart talks to join the EU
REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — When U.S. President Donald Trump said he wanted a “piece of ice, cold and poorly located,” the people of Iceland had every reason to worry even if he was referring to Greenland. Their concern was not…
Iceland's voters will decide on Saturday whether to restart negotiations to join the European Union, amid growing concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about Greenland. At 400,000 people, Iceland is a fiercely independent nation with a strong economy based on sustainable fisheries.
The decision weighs on the balance between maintaining sovereignty and safeguarding against geopolitical instability. Iceland is already part of NATO, the European Economic Area and the Schengen free-travel zone, but critics argue EU membership would further protect the country's independence against potential threats.
EU proponents counter that staying outside the Union leaves Iceland vulnerable, compromising its sovereignty and ability to benefit from the euro currency's stability and lower interest rates. Political science professor Hulda Thorisdottir said the independence that Iceland gained from Denmark in 1944 is its most precious resource.
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- What to know about Iceland’s vote on whether to restart talks to join the EU winnipegfreepress.com
