Icelanders reject EU-accession talks, broadcaster RUV reports
REYKJAVIK — Icelanders have voted to stay out of the European Union, broadcaster RUV reported on Sunday, rejecting a government push to reopen membership talks and siding with those who said Iceland's fishing waters were too important to risk. A "no" vote will disappoint Brussels, as some officials had cast Iceland as a low-risk case that could help ease scepticism toward EU enlargement and…
Icelanders have voted to remain outside the European Union, broadcaster RUV reported on Sunday, rejecting a government's effort to resume membership discussions and aligning with those who argued Iceland's fishing waters were too vital to risk. A "no" vote will be disheartening for Brussels, as some officials had considered Iceland a low-risk case that could help alleviate skepticism towards EU expansion and fortify the bloc strategically during heightened Arctic security concerns.
The government positioned its membership proposal as a "now or never" opportunity, with Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir urging voters in August that a "no" would dispel all EU speculation. Supporters of EU accession argued that joining the bloc could alleviate high interest rates and enhance security in a world disrupted by conflict in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about annexing another Arctic island, Greenland.
Opponents contended that EU membership would jeopardize Iceland's sovereignty and fishing rights. The referendum campaign has sparked discussions about Iceland's role in the world, according to Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir.
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- Icelanders reject EU-accession talks, broadcaster RUV reports koreatimes.co.kr
