Suspense Surrounding the EU Vote

It’s Official Now: Icelanders Say No to Brussels

Supporters of the talks argued that membership could lower the country’s high interest rates and offer greater security in light of the war in Ukraine. Opponents, on the other hand, feared a loss of sovereignty and control over the fishing waters vital to the country.(Bild: AFP/HALLDOR KOLBEINS)

The referendum in Iceland on opening EU accession negotiations has dealt a bitter blow to Brussels. According to initial partial results, the “yes” camp was in the lead—but then the “no” camp overtook the pro-European movement...

In Iceland’s referendum on resuming accession negotiations with the European Union, the opponents prevailed. The vote count is complete. According to online tallies, “No” votes led with 52.8 percent on Sunday, ahead of the “Yes” camp, which garnered 47.2 percent. Just over 270,000 Icelanders were eligible to vote.

High Voter Turnout
The broadcaster RUV reports a strong voter turnout of 82.5 percent. Icelanders have thus dealt a stinging rebuke to the pro-European movement. Recent polls had suggested a close race.

A “yes” vote would have opened the door to talks with Brussels. Iceland would have had to decide separately at a later date on actual EU accession. However, opposition to EU accession prevails, particularly in the fishing sector, which is of enormous importance to the country. 

Supporters of the talks argued that membership could lower the country’s high interest rates and offer greater security in light of the war in Ukraine. Opponents, on the other hand, feared a loss of sovereignty and control over the fishing waters that are vital to the country.(Bild: AFP/HALLDOR KOLBEINS)

When the first partial results came in, the “yes” camp still had reason to celebrate...(Bild: AP/Marco Di Marco)

“A Great Day”
Supporters of the talks argued that membership could lower the country’s high interest rates and offer greater security in light of the war in Ukraine. Social Democratic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir had announced that she would abide by the result of the referendum. 

Shortly before the referendum, Frostadóttir had described the resumption of talks on Icelandic television as “one of the most significant steps” toward reducing risks to the island.

The debates in Iceland focused less on security issues than on high interest rates, fishing rights, and the cost of living. The country is struggling with persistently high inflation and interest rates that make mortgages expensive.(Bild: AFP/HALLDOR KOLBEINS)

Security as a Major Issue
In uncertain times like these, with international relations in flux, the question is whether a small country like Iceland should align itself with larger states and alliances.

“We see around us that countries in our neighborhood have been protected by the European Union.” These statements were understood primarily as an allusion to the Greenland conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump had repeatedly threatened to annex the Arctic island—which belongs to Denmark—into the United States, thereby also causing unease in Iceland. 

Especially in the capital, people are wary of the EU.(Bild: AFP/HALLDOR KOLBEINS)

Iceland had already applied for EU membership in 2009, in the midst of a severe financial crisis, but a Euroskeptic government put the process on hold in 2013. Economically, Iceland is already deeply integrated into Europe: The country is part of the European Economic Area and enjoys the benefits of the single market—but has no say in important decisions.

Fishermen Prevail
The first round of talks on EU accession had failed primarily due to the debate over fisheries—the island’s largest and most identity-defining economic sector. Even now, serious doubts had resurfaced as to whether accession would be possible without relinquishing too many of the country’s own rights. Prime Minister Frostadóttir had promised her fellow citizens that Iceland would quickly walk away from the negotiating table if it were not allowed to retain full control over its own fisheries resources. However, the concern was now apparently too great.