A supporter of the 'No' campaign displays a placard against the EU ('EU – no thanks'), during a rally against reopening Iceland's European Union accession negotiations in Reykjavik, Iceland, on August 27, 2026, two days ahead of a national referendum. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand / Lehtikuva / AFP
International news
Icelanders have rejected a government proposal to resume accession negotiations with the European Union, putting aside a membership process suspended more than a decade ago. Public broadcaster RÚV reported on Sunday that 52.8% had voted against reopening talks, compared with 47.2% in favour.
With counting close to completion, the remaining ballots were not expected to reverse the result. RÚV declared that voters had rejected accession negotiations.
The referendum asked voters: “Should Iceland resume accession negotiations with the European Union?”
