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2w ago

Iceland Plans Aug. 29 Referendum on Reviving EU Accession Talks

Parliament must still authorize the vote in a move driven by shifting security concerns.

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Cars are parked on the Old Harbour area of Reykjavik, Iceland, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The decision to take the question of EU membership to Iceland’s 400,000 citizens comes amid growing geopolitical instability — such as the Russia-Ukraine war — and economic pressures, which are contributing to growing concerns for the island. Iceland has no army and relies on NATO and a bilateral defense agreement with the United States for security. (MARCO DI MARCO/AP FILE)
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Overview

  • The Cabinet approved a resolution proposing an Aug. 29 referendum on whether to restart EU accession talks, but the Althingi must pass the measure and the government’s majority is uncertain.
  • If voters back restarting talks, negotiations would resume and any final membership deal would face a second referendum; the government says a No vote in August would close the issue.
  • Officials cite rising living costs and regional security pressures, including Russia’s war and Arctic tensions, as reasons to accelerate the timetable, noting Iceland has no army and relies on NATO.
  • Polling reported by public broadcaster RÚV shows 57% support for resuming talks, while the public remains split on actual EU membership.
  • Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir says she will present the plan to parliament and vows not to cede control over fisheries, the most contentious unresolved chapter from past talks.