Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePeople pass a sign of the 'YES TO SEE' movement in a street ahead of a referendum on whether Iceland should resume accession negotiations with the European Union, in Reykjavik, Iceland, August 29, 2026. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger (Reuters)Icelanders have rejected a proposal to restart negotiations on joining the European Union by a margin of 52.8% to 47.2%. The referendum was brought forward by the government following comments from US President Donald Trump regarding neighbouring Greenland. The capital city of Reykjavik was the only region in the country where a majority of voters supported resuming accession talks. Opponents, spearheaded by the fishing industry, argued that EU membership would sacrifice sovereignty and open national waters to foreign trawlers. Supporters claimed joining the EU would bring economic stability, lower inflation, and strengthen ties with European partners. In fullIceland rejects EU vote in referendum focussed on Trump and fishingMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why Icelandic voters just rejected European Union negotiations
Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePeople pass a sign of the 'YES TO SEE' movement in a street ahead of a referendum on whether Iceland should resume accession negotiations with the European Union, in Reykjavik, Iceland, August 29, 2026. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger (Reuters)Icelanders have rejected a proposal to restart negotiations on joining the European Union by a margin of 52.8% to 47.2%. The referendum was brought forward by the government following comments from US President Donald Trump regarding neighbouring Greenland. The capital city of Reykjavik was the only region in the country where a majority of voters supported resuming accession talks. Opponents, spearheaded by the fishing industry, argued that EU membership would sacrifice sovereignty and open national waters to foreign trawlers. Supporters claimed joining the EU would bring economic stability, lower inflation, and strengthen ties with European partners. In fullIceland rejects EU vote in referendum focussed on Trump and fishingMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
