WORLD NEWS
Iceland rejects reopening EU accession talks by 52.8% to 47.2%; the vote was not on membership itself
In Iceland’s referendum held on August 29, a proposal to restart EU accession negotiations was rejected with 52.8% against and 47.2% in favor. The number of votes counted was approximately 225,000, and the resumption of negotiations was halted for the time being.
This was not a vote by Iceland to withdraw from the EU or to reject EU membership itself. Iceland is not currently a member of the EU, and even if Yes had won, it would have had to start negotiations and then ask the public again for a final membership plan.
What was the poll question?
What voters decided was whether to resume EU accession talks, which had begun and then stalled in 2009. About 265,000 people were eligible to vote, and the opposition was ahead by about 5.6 percentage points in the final vote count. It was not a vote where the government would immediately submit a new application for membership or use the euro.
Why distinguish between accession and resumption of negotiations?
EU accession negotiations are a long process of aligning 35 policy areas, including economy, law, environment, and fisheries, with EU rules. Even if a deal was reached, the actual terms of membership would have to be approved by the Icelandic people in a second referendum. This result closes the door to that first step.
What does Iceland already do with the EU?
Iceland participates in a significant portion of the EU’s single market through the European Economic Area (EEA) and is also part of the Schengen free movement zone. However, it does not have a member state vote in EU decision-making and is not a full member of the Customs Union or the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policy. So the misunderstanding that it is already a member state and the explanation that it is completely separate are all inaccurate.
Why were the results so tense?
Those in favor emphasized geopolitical stability and the right to participate directly in EU rule-making. The opposition advocated control of fisheries resources, sovereignty, and market access already gained through the EEA. Differences were also seen between the metropolitan area and other constituencies, but one international event cannot explain all vote sentiment.
What will be different next time?
The government will abide by the referendum result and will not immediately resume accession negotiations. However, since it is not permanently banned by law, it remains possible that future governments and parliaments will come up with new proposals. The official election committee’s final votes, invalid votes, and regional results and the government’s follow-up announcement are the next confirmation channels.