The European Union could one day expand not only eastwards, but also westwards — or, more precisely, north-westwards.
Iceland is set to hold an important referendum this Saturday (29 August), in which voters will decide whether to resume negotiations on joining the EU.
The Icelandic government has framed the vote as a “now or never” opportunity. Either Icelanders embrace the prospect of EU membership, or the current status quo will be preserved — access to the European single market, but no say in shaping its legislation.
“It is quite clear that this vote is about securing a mandate for negotiations,” prime minister Kristrún Frostadóttir said, adding that membership of the bloc would be decided in a possible subsequent referendum.
Her government had originally planned to ask voters for their views only next year, but ultimately opted for an earlier date. The main reason was the changed geopolitical situation.
