REYKJAVIK — Icelanders voted on Aug. 29 in a national referendum on whether to resume European Union membership negotiations after a 13-year pause.
Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009 following a severe financial crisis. Three years of accession talks stalled over unresolved issues, chiefly the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. After elections in 2010 brought to power the centrist Progressive Party and the Independence Party—both opposed to EU membership—the government suspended negotiations in 2013 without a referendum and vowed not to resume them without public approval.
The current coalition government, formed after the 2024 parliamentary election and comprising the Social Democratic Alliance, Viðreisn (Liberal Reform Party), and the People's Party, agreed to hold the referendum by 2027. The People's Party opposes EU membership.
The "Yes" campaign argues that Iceland already adopts many EU laws through the European Economic Area but lacks direct influence over EU decisions. Supporters cite potential economic benefits, including greater currency stability through euro adoption, and contend that full membership would strengthen Iceland's position during geopolitical uncertainty.
The "No" campaign centers on sovereignty concerns. Opponents say EU membership could diminish Iceland's control over agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources. They argue the existing EEA arrangement provides sufficient economic access without requiring Iceland to cede national decision-making power.
If the referendum passes, accession negotiations will proceed. Any negotiated agreement would then go to a second referendum for Icelandic voters to accept or reject.
