See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JOE ROSSITER, REPORTER and GETHIN HICKS, REPORTER and DAVID WILCOCK, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 11:44 BST, 30 August 2026 | Updated: 13:22 BST, 30 August 2026
Iceland has voted against resuming talks to rejoin the European Union, dealing a major blow to Brussels’ expansion plans.The ‘No’ campaign won 52.8 per cent of the ballot as the country’s population of 400,000 rejected the chance to join the 27-nation bloc.Iceland first applied to join the EU in 2009 following a financial crisis but talks were put on hold in 2013 after a Eurosceptic government came to power.The current administration in Reykjavik billed the referendum as a ‘now or never’ moment that would shield the nation from trade wars and Arctic rivalry.Brussels was said to have been keen to welcome a new 'wealthy member' and had even outlined a willingness to compromise on thorny issues to facilitate accession, including access to Iceland's productive fishing waters.EU officials viewed the island as a low-risk case that could have helped to ease scepticism toward enlargement of the bloc and strategically strengthen it at a time when Arctic security is in focus. The key points of contention ahead of the referendum centred around Iceland's sovereignty and fishing, over which the country wanted to retain exclusive control.EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said: 'Iceland's unique specificities on fisheries and agriculture are well known. They would have to be carefully considered. Icelandic prime minister Kristrun Frostadottir said the Icelandic population had been waiting years to have a vote Supporters of the 'No' campaign in Reykjavik this morning as the results of the vote came in The ‘No’ campaign won 52.8 per cent of the ballot as the country’s population of 400,000 rejected the chance to join the 27-nation bloc 'I'm confident that, together with EU member states, we would find creative solutions.'Iceland's fishing sector had been fiercely opposed to resuming talks, with 90 per cent of companies in the industry thought to have been against joining the bloc.The war in Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's ambitions to take over neighbouring Greenland – a nation which he has confused for Iceland on multiple occasions – also featured in discussions. Reform leader Nigel Farage was among those who congratulated Icelanders for voting 'to keep their independence'.'Yes' campaigners claimed joining Brussels could ease interest rates and offer the island greater security, while 'No' voters were keen to maintain Iceland's independence. The country is already a member of the European Economic Area and part of the free-movement Schengen zone, both of which will remain unchanged by the vote. Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told voters in August that a 'no' would put all EU speculation aside. Ms Frostadottir said ahead of a government press conference later on Sunday: 'This is a great day. We've been waiting years to have a vote.' The key points of contention ahead of the referendum centred around Iceland's sovereignty and fishing, over which the country wanted to retain exclusive control US President Donald Trump has confused Iceland for Greenland on more than one occasionIt comes just months after Mr Trump's special envoy Jeff Landry touched down in Greenland for talks as the US continued its push to take control of the Arctic territory. The US President had, however, confused Iceland for Greenland on a number of occasions, sparking fears over the nation's sovereignty.Iceland has a 1951 Cold War-era defence treaty with the US, guaranteeing its security in return for access to military bases but some worry that Mr Trump's unpredictability could threaten its survival. Brussels had hoped to be able to present Icelandic membership as an example of positive enlargement that could also make it more palatable for member states to agree to take in poorer countries such as Montenegro.It would also have enabled the EU to enlarge its presence in the strategic Arctic region and perhaps turn some heads in ultra-wealthy non-EU member Norway.Yet the result means that Iceland will stay out of the EU until at least 2028, when the current prime minister's mandate comes to an end. Though the referendum was non-binding, Ms Frostadottir's coalition government – led by her pro-EU Social Democrats – promised to respect the result.The government was set to hold a press conference at 1pm today to present its plans.
