Voters in Iceland participated in a referendum on Saturday to determine whether the country should restart discussions to join the European Union, amid concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in exerting influence over Greenland.
The referendum posed a straightforward question to the approximately 265,000 eligible voters: Should Iceland resume talks with the European Union regarding potential membership? A positive vote would initiate negotiations with the European Commission on various aspects, including the economy and human rights. Proponents argue that EU membership could provide safeguards in case of similar threats from Trump and offer economic stability.
Should the proposal be declined by voters, the issue would be put to rest for at least a generation. Critics are worried about the potential impact EU membership could have on Iceland’s fishing industry, as the country already benefits from participation in the EU single market and the Schengen area for free movement.
Anticipating a close outcome, over 20% of voters cast early ballots before the official referendum day, as reported by Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV.
The Trump administration’s discussions about Greenland, located just 290 kilometers from Iceland, have raised concerns among Icelanders. Some residents were alarmed by Trump’s repeated mentions of Iceland in relation to his interests in Greenland. While Trump has not indicated plans for a forcible takeover of Greenland, his continued attention to the territory has fueled apprehensions in Iceland.
The Icelandic government, led by a left-leaning coalition since 2024, views EU membership as a potential defense against any future ambitions by Trump in the North Atlantic region. This perspective led to the decision to move forward with the EU referendum earlier than initially planned.
The debate surrounding EU membership is longstanding in Iceland, which formally ended previous attempts to join the EU in 2015, largely due to concerns about the impact on its valuable fishing resources. Fishing is not only a critical economic sector but also a core aspect of Iceland’s national identity, deeply rooted in its history and culture.
Joining the EU would entail adherence to the bloc’s common fisheries policy, allowing foreign trawlers into Icelandic waters. The government has expressed a desire for a special arrangement, potentially seeking exemptions from certain EU policies.
In the lead-up to the referendum, Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir emphasized that the vote was not definitive and that another referendum would follow if Iceland were to reach a membership agreement with the EU.
For many Icelanders, the referendum represents a choice not just about EU membership but also about preserving their national identity and autonomy. The country’s history of standing up to larger powers, exemplified by the Cod Wars with Britain, underscores the importance of maintaining sovereignty.
Supporters of EU membership argue that closer ties with Europe are essential for addressing transnational challenges like climate change. They also believe that adopting the euro would provide greater financial stability compared to Iceland’s current currency, the króna.
Conversely, opponents contend that Iceland already enjoys the benefits of European integration through existing agreements without sacrificing sovereignty. They highlight trade agreements, such as the one with China, as evidence that Iceland can thrive outside the EU while collaborating closely with European partners. Former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir expressed her belief that Iceland is better off maintaining its current relationship with the EU rather than pursuing full membership.