Icelanders have voted against reopening membership talks with the European Union.
Iceland first applied to join the EU in 2009, as the country’s economy struggled with the impact of a major financial crisis. Membership negotiations were later halted in 2013 under a Eurosceptic government.
We’ve been waiting for this to be able to have a vote for years,” Frostadottir said, adding that her government would continue its work regardless of the outcome. Icelanders have voted against reopening membership talks with the European Union, rejecting a government proposal to revive negotiations amid concerns that joining the bloc could threaten the country’s control over its fishing waters and national sovereignty. “This is a great day.
Supporters of joining the bloc had argued that EU membership could help lower Iceland’s high interest rates and provide greater economic and security stability amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding the possible annexation of Greenland. After casting her ballot in the capital on Saturday, Frostadottir said the referendum campaign had triggered a wider debate about Iceland’s place in the world.
Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir had urged voters to view the referendum as a “now or never” moment. In August, she said a “no” vote would end the debate over Iceland’s EU membership.