Iceland’s EU Ambitions
U.S. threats in the Arctic push Reykjavik to hold a referendum on restarting membership talks.
Iceland's EU ambitions come to a referendum on Saturday. The tiny Nordic nation is considering discarding its genial global reputation to seek European protection from the White House's imperial-esque ambitions, amid US President Donald Trump's threats to seize neighboring Greenland. Iceland applied for EU membership in 2008, but talks stalled due to concerns about sovereignty over territorial fishing waters.
Now, the Arctic's critical mineral competition and Trump's foreign policy agenda have reignited accession talks. Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir argues that EU membership will boost the country's security and economy, while opponents fear it will cost Iceland its identity and sovereignty. A recent poll shows a nearly even split between those who support and oppose reopening accession talks.
If the referendum passes, a second national vote will be needed to approve the deal. Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea, and the US are conducting trilateral military drills in response to North Korean threats, while Norway mourns the passing of its king.
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