The Battle for Europe: Iceland Nears Decision on EU Negotiations
The "no" camp leads with 52.5% in a historic referendum. Approximately 272,000 Icelanders were eligible to vote on the future of EU accession talks.
The camp opposing the renewal of negotiations on Iceland's accession to the European Union is leading in a historic national referendum, the Icelandic public broadcaster RUV reported this morning (Sunday). With votes counted in five out of six districts, the race remains tight.
According to preliminary results, 52.5% of voters opposed the government's proposal to resume negotiations with the European Union, while 47.5% supported it. Final results are expected to be published later today.
Polling stations closed at 22:00 on Saturday, concluding a voting day considered significant for Iceland's future relationship with the European Union.
In the referendum, Icelanders were asked to decide whether to renew negotiations on joining the European Union or to abandon the possibility of joining the bloc for the foreseeable future. Approximately 272,000 people were eligible to participate.
According to local media, turnout was high, comparable to the 80% recorded in the 2024 parliamentary elections. In the days leading up to the vote, polls indicated a close race, though the pro-European camp's lead gradually narrowed. The question presented to voters was: "Should Iceland renew negotiations on joining the European Union?"
Iceland originally submitted an application to join the European Union following the 2008 financial crisis. However, following the election of a Eurosceptic government in 2013, the country froze accession negotiations.
