Iceland votes on whether to resume EU membership talks

Icelanders head to the polls on Saturday to vote on whether to resume EU membership talks, with the outcome closely watched in Brussels. The country of just under 400,000 people applied for EU membership following a 2009 financial crisis that devastated its economy. Talks were suspended in 2013 when a eurosceptic government took power.

Polls indicate the Yes and No sides are virtually tied, though foreign minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir remains optimistic. Voting takes place from 9am to 10pm, but final results are not expected until late Saturday due to the tight race and lack of exit polls.

If "Yes" wins, Iceland would negotiate an accession agreement with Brussels, which could then be put to another referendum. The issue of fisheries, crucial to Iceland's economy, would require compromise with the EU. Some voters argue the country already enjoys EU benefits through membership in the European Economic Area, while others believe joining the eurozone would bring significant advantages despite rising inflation and interest rates.

The return of war in Europe and Trump's erratic behavior have heightened geopolitical concerns for Iceland, which relies on NATO and a 1951 US agreement for defense. EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos sees Icelandic membership as an example of positive enlargement that could encourage other countries to join.