A referendum in Iceland on whether to resume European Union (EU) accession negotiations was rejected by a majority of voters. Following the result, hard-right forces across Europe, which have positioned themselves as anti-EU, issued statements of support and began consolidating their influence.
According to Icelandic public broadcaster RUV, the referendum on “resuming EU accession negotiations,” held on August 29, resulted in 47.2% in favor and 52.8% against, leading to its rejection. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir of the ruling Social Democratic Party stated, “The lesson is that the public is satisfied with the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement,” adding, “The government will not pursue EU accession negotiations during this term.”
Proponents, including the government, argued that the EU would enhance national security amid shifting global dynamics, such as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland and the Ukraine war. Opponents countered that EU membership could limit Iceland’s sovereignty. Concerns were particularly raised about the potential loss of control over fishing resources, which account for 40% of total exports, if decision-making authority in the sector shifted to the EU. While a majority in the capital, Reykjavik, voted in favor, rural areas saw opposition ranging from 53% to 63%, reflecting these concerns.
Iceland is not an EU member but participates in the EEA and the Schengen Agreement. The country began EU accession talks in 2008 following the global financial crisis but suspended them in 2013. Discussions resumed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the current government, which had pledged to hold a referendum in 2024, delivered on that promise.
European right-wing leaders, who have advocated for prioritizing national interests and EU withdrawal, welcomed the outcome. Marine Le Pen of France’s National Rally (RN) posted on X, “This shows that joining the EU is not an obligation for any European democracy.” Nigel Farage, leader of the UK’s hard-right Reform UK Party, celebrated, “Congratulations to Iceland for choosing to preserve its independence.” These figures had previously united in July to demand stricter border controls after 60,000 people illegally entered Spain’s autonomous city of Ceuta.
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