Voters in Iceland are participating in a referendum on whether to resume stalled negotiations for European Union membership, a decision influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump's past assertions of interest in controlling nearby Greenland. The vote will determine if Iceland should restart accession talks with the EU's executive branch, the European Commission.
A "yes" vote would initiate a negotiation process covering 35 areas, including economic policies and human rights. A significant point of discussion for Iceland would be its valuable fishing stocks in the North Atlantic. Some Icelánders believe that EU membership could provide a safeguard against potential future actions by the U.S. president.
Trump's statements about acquiring Greenland earlier this year reportedly altered the political mood in Iceland, which is located approximately 180 miles from the Danish territory. While Trump has not indicated any intention to use force, his interest in Greenland has persisted.
Many in Iceland express concern that if Greenland were to be acquired, Iceland could be a target for similar ambitions. This has led to the question of whether EU membership would serve as a deterrent against any new U.S. pursuits in the North Atlantic.
Iceland's current left-leaning coalition government, elected in 2024, moved forward the EU referendum, which had been scheduled for next year, partly due to these security concerns. "We can’t really trust the U.S. anymore," stated Hildur Knútsdóttir, a writer who supports EU membership.
Discussions about EU membership are not new to Iceland. The country formally concluded a previous bid to join the bloc in 2015, primarily due to apprehensions about the impact on its fishing resources. The nation's economy heavily relies on its fishing industry, with cod and haddock catches being central to its identity and economy.
Joining the 27-member EU would necessitate Iceland's participation in the bloc's common fisheries policy, potentially allowing other EU member states' vessels access to Icelandic waters. The government has indicated it would seek a special arrangement, possibly a full opt-out from this policy.
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has emphasized that the current referendum is not the final decision on membership. She stated that another referendum would be held if and when a membership agreement with the EU is finalized.
"This is not an election about membership and not about adaptation, as there will be another referendum on an accession agreement if the result is yes," Frostadóttir told a rally.
The referendum touches upon Iceland's national identity and culture. The country, which gained independence from Denmark in 1944, has a history of asserting its sovereignty, including the