Bitter pill for EU as Iceland shuts door on entry talks
European Council president Antonio Costa told Iceland's prime minister Kristrún Frostadóttir that the 27-member bloc 'fully respects the democratic choice' of Icelandic voters.
EU officials faced a sobering reality Sunday as Iceland's voters rejected attempts to restart membership talks with the 27-nation bloc. The outcome, a bitter pill for Brussels, came despite Iceland's close economic ties through the European Economic Area and Schengen area. European Council President Antonio Costa and other EU officials expressed respect for Iceland's democratic choice, but admitted that the referendum result signaled the EU must re-evaluate its appeal and strengthen trust.
The bloc's recent enlargement efforts, notably Croatia's 2013 accession, seemed to fall short in comparison. Eurosceptics celebrated the result, with French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage highlighting the appeal of independent, sovereign nations. Geopolitical concerns, such as US President Donald Trump's threats over Greenland, also played a role in Iceland's decision.
EU officials vowed to continue Arctic cooperation with Iceland, but acknowledged that renewed membership talks would require addressing issues like fishing rights.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Iceland votes against restarting EU membership talks myjoyonline.com
- Bitter pill for EU as Iceland shuts door on entry talks freemalaysiatoday.com
- Iceland votes against restarting talks on joining EU island.lk
- Iceland votes against restarting talks on joining EU kahawatungu.com
- Iceland votes to reject EU accession talks: What happens next? aljazeera.com
