Iceland’s EU referendum: What to know ahead of vote and what's at stake for Europe

Former Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson has dismissed the significance of the upcoming referendum on Iceland's potential re-entry into the EU. Gunnlaugsson argued that the referendum's wording is so broad that it could be satisfied simply by asking the EU what benefits Iceland would gain from joining, thereby rendering the referendum largely redundant.

He contended that his post as either a foreign minister or prime minister would be sufficient if he asked the EU, "What are you willing to offer us?" and then abandoned the accession process. The leader of the opposition Centre Party, who previously served as Iceland's prime minister, suggested that the "Yes" campaign could be satisfied with a straightforward question to Brussels, without the need for actual negotiations.

Gunnlaugsson also downplayed the geopolitical implications of the referendum, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland, which Iceland shares a close border with. The Centre Party chief emphasized that Iceland should not overreact to such statements and that it was more a matter of President Trump's "shenanigans."

Furthermore, Gunnlaugsson expressed support for tighter Schengen border controls, arguing that Iceland should take a more assertive stance regarding immigration control. However, his deputy chair, Snorri Másson, took a more conservative stance on Schengen, advocating for stricter border measures while still maintaining membership in the European Economic Area to preserve the right to free movement of people.