[Reuters]
[Reuters]

Iceland began voting Saturday on whether to resume negotiations to join the EU, according to Yonhap.

About 270,000 eligible voters are deciding whether Iceland should restart accession talks with the EU. Around 57,000 people cast early votes, and local election authorities expect a high turnout.

Public opinion is evenly split. A Gallup poll released Friday showed 51.6 percent opposed and 48.4 percent in favor, while an earlier Maskina survey found 51.3 percent in favor and 48.4 percent opposed.

Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 and entered accession negotiations, but the process was suspended in 2013 when a government skeptical of EU membership came to power. Talks had advanced considerably before they were halted.

The central issues in the referendum are the economy, security and sovereignty. Supporters argue that geopolitical uncertainties — including the war in Ukraine and tensions over Greenland — make it necessary to strengthen security and economic stability through EU membership. They also contend that adopting the euro would reduce exchange rate volatility and help stabilize prices.

Opponents counter that the practical benefits of joining the EU are limited, while membership could weaken Iceland's autonomy over key industries such as fishing and agriculture. They are particularly concerned about a potential loss of control over natural resources and national sovereignty.

If the referendum passes, Iceland is expected to resume accession negotiations with the EU within as little as two months. However, even if those talks conclude successfully, a separate second referendum would still be required before Iceland could formally join the bloc.


rim@heraldcorp.com