Icelanders have chosen to remain outside the European Union, according to the results of a recent referendum. The decision came as a rejection of the government’s efforts to initiate talks for EU membership, with concerns raised about the critical importance of Iceland’s fishing grounds.
The debate over joining the EU has been ongoing for more than ten years in the Arctic nation, with expectations initially leaning towards supporting membership talks. However, recent opinion polls indicated a shift in views.
In the referendum held on Saturday, 52.8% of votes opposed the government’s proposal for negotiations with Brussels, while 47.2% were in favor. Notably, 82.5% of eligible voters participated in the referendum, as reported by public broadcaster RUV and other Icelandic media outlets.
Among the six constituencies, only the central Reykjavik areas had a majority in favor of talks, while rural regions and suburbs of Reykjavik voted against it.
The government had portrayed EU membership as a safeguard against trade conflicts and Arctic competition, labeling the referendum as a pivotal moment. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stated that a “no” vote would put an end to the debate for the duration of her center-left coalition’s tenure.
In Brussels, some officials had expressed optimism that Iceland’s potential EU accession could alleviate skepticism towards EU expansion and enhance the bloc’s strategic position, particularly concerning Arctic security.
Despite being a NATO member without its own military, Iceland deliberated on whether EU membership could enhance its security, especially amid doubts raised by U.S. President Donald Trump about America’s commitment to the alliance.
For many Icelanders, the focus on fishing outweighed security concerns. The fishing industry is a significant contributor to Iceland’s economy, constituting 15% of the GDP in direct and indirect ways, and generating around 40% of export income.
The issue of interest rates and living costs also played a central role in the lead-up to the referendum, as Iceland has grappled with high inflation and interest rates. Proponents of EU membership argued that joining the EU and potentially adopting the euro could offer economic relief.
Opposition leader Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir, who led the “no” campaign, criticized the emphasis on the economic benefits, emphasizing that such structural issues should be addressed by Icelandic policymakers.
One voter, Ragnhildur Skarphedinsdottir, aged 70, expressed confidence in Iceland’s self-sufficiency, casting her vote against EU talks. She highlighted the importance of maintaining independence for a bright future.
Under EU regulations, fishing quotas are determined by historical fishing practices and other factors. While some Icelandic officials believe the country would retain control over its waters, Hafsteinsdottir disputed this, expressing skepticism about potential EU promises regarding fishing rights.
