Iceland EU membership referendum

Iceland is set to hold a referendum on August 29 on whether to reopen membership talks with the European Union. The vote is not on membership itself, but on restarting negotiations that were shelved in 2013. The debate is deeply rooted in fishing rights, with many Icelanders fearing loss of control over their fisheries, which are central to the economy and national identity. Concerns over the cost of living and President Donald Trump's threats to acquire Denmark — Greenland have also influenced the debate. A Gallup poll shows voters evenly split, with 46% in favor and 46% against restarting talks. Iceland's security relies on NATO membership and a bilateral defense agreement with the United States, and the country has no standing army. Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir stated that NATO and the US pact will remain the foundation of Iceland's security regardless of the outcome, but EU membership could be a valuable addition for economic security. She expressed concern over Russia's activities in Ukraine and the North Atlantic.