Referendum: Island stimmt knapp über neue EU-Beitrittsgespräche ab

In a close referendum held in Iceland on Sunday, citizens narrowly voted to proceed with new EU accession talks, according to early results. The pro-union side and the anti-union side were nearly tied, with 50.1 percent of the 152,000 votes cast representing support, reported broadcaster RUV. The anti-union side secured 49.9 percent.

Preliminary information on voter turnout was not available. Results were expected by midday on Sunday. Polls had previously indicated a tight race. Interest in EU membership has recently surged in the North Atlantic island nation, driven by rising living costs, the Ukraine war, and repeated US President Donald Trump threats to annex neighboring Greenland.

Supporters argue that EU membership and potential Euro adoption could lower interest rates and curb inflation, which currently stands at eight percent. Critics fear a loss of sovereignty and control over crucial fishing waters. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stated the referendum sparked a vital debate about Iceland's role globally, and the government would proceed with its work regardless of the outcome.

Opposition leader Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir argued that Iceland's problems could not be solved by the EU, which must be addressed by Icelandic politicians. Iceland attempted EU membership in 2009 amid a severe financial crisis, but a euroskeptic government put the process on hold in 2013. Recent geopolitical turbulence has reignited the decades-old debate.

Should the referendum support talks, negotiations could begin by the end of 2026 and last 18 to 24 months, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.