Icelanders reject EU-accession talks, broadcaster RUV reports

REYKJAVIK — Iceland's voters have chosen to remain outside the European Union, according to broadcaster RUV, which reported on Sunday. The country's government had pushed to revive membership talks, but the "no" vote is likely to disappoint EU officials. They had seen Iceland as a relatively low-risk candidate that could help ease concerns about EU expansion and strengthen the bloc, especially with Arctic security being a current priority.

The government painted its membership proposal as a "now or never" opportunity, while Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir had assured voters in August that a "no" vote would put an end to all EU speculation. Proponents of EU membership argued that joining the bloc could help address Iceland's high interest rates and provide additional security in a world currently unsettled by the conflict in Ukraine and the rhetoric of US President Donald Trump about acquiring another Arctic territory, Greenland.

On the other hand, opponents of EU membership maintained that such a move would jeopardize Iceland's sovereignty and its exclusive fishing rights. The referendum campaign has sparked discussions about Iceland's role in the international community, with Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir commenting on the matter to reporters.