The vote was not about immediate EU membership, but whether Iceland should resume the previously suspended negotiations. During the count, both camps remained close for a long time. Reykjav铆k was the only region to vote in majority for resuming talks.
Prime Minister Kristr煤n Frostad贸ttir was among the proponents of new negotiations. She wanted Iceland to re-engage with Brussels about the conditions under which the country could possibly join. However, after the results, she confirmed that her government would not continue negotiations during this parliamentary term.
Democratic Decision
Frostad贸ttir did not present the outcome as a defeat, but as a democratic decision. More than 80 percent of eligible voters participated in the referendum. She also pointed out that 47 percent voted in favor of resuming talks and said that this viewpoint must also be taken into account.
Promotion
The European Union also responded cautiously. The European Commission declared that it respects the choice of the Icelandic people. President of the European Council Ant贸nio Costa likewise emphasized that the democratic result is respected. At the same time, both Costa and Frostad贸ttir expressed a desire to further strengthen their mutual relationship.
Fishing Grounds
Despite the rejection, Iceland remains closely connected to the EU. The European Commission refers to the country as a close partner, while Costa described it as one of the Union鈥檚 closest and most trusted partners. Iceland also enjoys broad access to the European internal market.
An important sticking point remains fisheries. This sector plays a major role in Iceland鈥檚 economy and identity. Opponents of renewed negotiations fear the consequences of joining the common European fisheries policy. Upon access to the common market, fishing vessels from other EU countries would gain access to Iceland鈥檚 fish-rich waters. Fisheries was also one of the most challenging topics during the previous accession talks.
Geopolitics
Those earlier talks began in 2010 after Iceland submitted an application for EU membership. Initially, progress was made in negotiations, but they were suspended in 2013.
The new referendum was already promised by the current government. The vote was brought forward against the backdrop of changing geopolitical circumstances (the US claims on Greenland and the Russian war against Ukraine). Those tensions played a role in the debate, but domestic arguments remained important.