Iceland has voted against reopening negotiations to join the European Union, delivering a significant setback to Brussels and keeping the Nordic nation outside the 27-member bloc.
The “No” campaign secured 52.8 per cent of the vote, with Icelanders rejecting a return to accession talks after a fiercely contested referendum.
Icelandic prime minister Kristrun Frostadottir said the Icelandic population had been waiting years to have a vote
Supporters of the ‘No’ campaign in Reykjavik this morning as the results of the vote came in
The ‘No’ campaign won 52.8 per cent of the ballot as the country’s population of 400,000 rejected the chance to join the 27-nation bloc
The result means the country’s long-running debate over EU membership has once again been put on hold.
Iceland originally applied to join the European Union in 2009 following the global financial crisis, but negotiations were suspended in 2013 after a Eurosceptic government came to power.
The latest referendum had been presented by the current government as an opportunity for voters to settle the issue directly.
Supporters of renewed talks argued that closer integration with the EU could provide Iceland with greater economic stability, stronger security and potentially lower interest rates.
But opponents focused heavily on sovereignty and control of the country’s valuable fishing waters.
The key points of contention ahead of the referendum centred around Iceland’s sovereignty and fishing, over which the country wanted to retain exclusive control
US President Donald Trump has confused Iceland for Greenland on more than one occasion
Fishing remains one of Iceland’s most important industries, and the sector was strongly opposed to EU membership.
According to the report, around 90 per cent of companies in the fishing industry were believed to be against joining the bloc.
For many voters, the prospect of sharing control over fisheries under EU rules remained a major concern.
Brussels had signalled that Iceland’s circumstances would need special consideration.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Iceland’s particular position on fisheries and agriculture was well understood and suggested creative solutions could have been found.
However, those reassurances were not enough to persuade a majority of Icelanders.
Broader geopolitical concerns also formed part of the debate.
Russia’s war in Ukraine and increased strategic competition in the Arctic have intensified questions about Iceland’s security.
US President Donald Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring neighbouring Greenland also featured in discussions, particularly because he has confused Greenland with Iceland on several occasions.
Iceland already has a longstanding defence relationship with the United States dating back to 1951, but uncertainty over Washington’s future approach reportedly added another layer to the referendum campaign.
Supporters of EU membership argued that joining the bloc could give Iceland greater protection and political influence in an increasingly unpredictable international environment.
The “No” side, however, insisted that the country should preserve its independence and maintain control over national resources.
Nigel Farage was among those welcoming the outcome, congratulating Icelanders for voting to keep their independence.
Despite remaining outside the European Union, Iceland will continue to maintain close economic and political links with the bloc.
The country is already a member of the European Economic Area, giving it access to much of the EU single market.
It is also part of the Schengen free-movement area.
Neither arrangement will change as a result of the referendum.
Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir had previously suggested that a “No” vote would effectively bring the debate over EU accession to an end for the foreseeable future.
Following the result, she described the vote as an important moment after years of uncertainty over the issue.
For Brussels, the result represents more than the loss of a potential member.
EU officials had reportedly hoped Iceland could become a relatively straightforward example of successful enlargement because of its wealth, democratic institutions and existing close relationship with Europe.
Membership would also have strengthened the EU’s position in the strategically important Arctic region.
Instead, Icelanders have chosen to retain the status quo.
The country will remain closely linked to Europe economically while staying outside the EU’s political structures — with sovereignty and control of its fishing industry once again proving decisive at the ballot box.