- Voters in Iceland are heading to the polls Saturday to decide whether the country should resume long-stalled negotiations on becoming a member of the European Union, in the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to control nearby Greenland.
- The yes-or-no referendum question asks whether Iceland should resume accession negotiations with the European Union, with about 265,000 eligible voters.
- A yes vote would trigger negotiations with the European Commission covering 35 areas, from the economy to human rights, and would include discussions on Iceland's fishing stocks in the North Atlantic.
- Trump's talk about U.S. control of Greenland altered the mood in Iceland, which is just 180 miles (290 km) away from the self-governing territory of Denmark.
- Some Icelanders believe EU membership could offer protections if Trump were to make similar threats on Iceland, with underlying worry that if Greenland is seized, Iceland might be next.
- Iceland’s left-leaning coalition government, elected in 2024, moved forward the EU referendum, believing EU membership provides a bulwark against any new Trump ambition in the North Atlantic.
Icelanders are heading to the polls on Saturday to vote on resuming EU membership talks, a decision that could significantly impact the nation’s future.
"Should Iceland resume accession negotiations with the European Union?" is the simple question posed to approximately 265,000 eligible voters.12
A yes vote would initiate discussions on 35 areas, including critical topics such as the economy and human rights, but the most contentious issue is likely to be Iceland's fishing rights in the North Atlantic.34
"Joining the 27-nation EU would require Iceland joining the bloc’s common fisheries policy that would allow Spanish, Dutch and other trawlers into their waters," raising concerns among many Icelanders about the potential loss of control over their rich fishing stocks.
The backdrop to this referendum is the heightened tension surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, which is located just 180 miles from Iceland.5
"If Greenland is seized, is Iceland next?" This question looms large in the minds of many voters, prompting the left-leaning coalition government to expedite the referendum initially planned for next year.
Some Icelanders believe that EU membership could provide a safeguard against any future U.S. ambitions in the North Atlantic, with the government indicating it would seek a special arrangement to protect its fishing interests.
The outcome of this referendum could reshape Iceland's geopolitical landscape and its relationship with both the EU and the U.S.
“A yes vote would trigger talks with the European Commission covering 35 areas, from economy to human rights, with Iceland's North Atlantic fishing stocks a key sticking point. The referendum, moved forward by the left-leaning coalition government elected in 2024, reflects worries that if Greenland is seized, Iceland might be next.”
