{
  "id": 2785884,
  "title": "– Nesten umulig å si hvordan dette ender",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/nesten-umulig-a-si-hvordan-dette-ender",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-23T11:59:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "E24 Norway",
    "slug": "e24-norway",
    "url": "https://e24.no/naeringsliv/i/7pyjr3/nesten-umulig-aa-si-hvordan-dette-ender"
  },
  "original_language": "nl",
  "account": "Bjarni Benediktsson, leader of the Icelandic Business Organization NHO, expresses skepticism about joining the European Union (EU), citing numerous reasons. He states that joining the EU would entail numerous challenges, such as bureaucracy and low growth. In a recent survey conducted by NHO, 66% of the business sector opposed joining the EU, while only 22% supported it. Benediktsson argues that Iceland already benefits from the single market and the four freedoms (goods, services, capital, and people), and believes that the country has built its economy independently.\n\nHe emphasizes that Iceland has achieved economic growth without relying on EU membership. Benediktsson points out that EU membership has not been a prominent political issue for many years and that many Icelanders are unaware of its impact on their daily lives. He adds that if a split in opinions exists, it is a significant one, with a narrow majority favoring a \"yes\" vote in the upcoming referendum.\n\nThe main argument in favor of joining the EU is the need to stabilize the economy, as Iceland has experienced significant fluctuations in the krona currency and high inflation rates in the past. The central bank has recently increased interest rates to eight percent to address these issues. Benediktsson believes that handling these economic challenges independently is the best approach, regardless of whether Iceland joins the EU or remains outside. He warns that giving up monetary policy and adopting the euro could be detrimental to the business sector, as it might lead to reduced trade costs and lower long-term interest rates.\n\nHowever, Benediktsson acknowledges that the fisheries sector is the most opposed to EU membership, accounting for approximately 18% of Iceland's total exports of goods and services in 2024. He doubts that Iceland will be able to manage its fisheries effectively if it joins the EU, as it would mean ceding control to Brussels and losing its negotiating power. Benediktsson expresses concerns about the growing distance between Reykjavik and Brussels, suggesting that it could lead to decreased trust, transparency, and decision-making power for Icelanders. He emphasizes that much of Iceland's success is due to its ability to manage its own affairs, and that it is almost impossible to predict how the referendum will ultimately turn out.",
  "summary": "REYKJAVIK (E24): Landet er delt i to. Om en knapp uke avgjør Island om de skal ta det første steget…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}