Iceland votes on whether to restart talks on joining EU

Icelanders are voting in a referendum to decide whether to resume talks on joining the European Union (EU), 13 years after they were broken off. The latest opinion poll indicates the No campaign is ahead with 51.6% support. The question on the ballot is: "Should Iceland resume accession negotiations with the European Union?" Iceland is already part of the EU's single market and Schengen zone and has been a NATO member since 1944.

EU membership would bring Iceland into the customs union and eventually the euro, while its fishing industry and sovereignty are key concerns in the debate. Voting takes place from 09:00 to 22:00 GMT on Saturday, with the result expected early Sunday. Iceland has a population of under 400,000. Although 27 of the 35 negotiation chapters have begun, 11 are provisionally complete.

A Yes vote would mean moving towards an accession agreement but would require approval from a second referendum, parliament, the constitution, and EU member states. A No vote would not rule out future talks. The economic benefits of EU membership could help lower Iceland's high interest rates and inflation.