Icelandic Referendum Rejects EU Negotiations
In the island nation with a population of about 400,000, the majority of the public opposed the resumption of talks with the European Union.
In a referendum held in Iceland, the majority of voters cast ballots against restarting European Union membership negotiations.
Referendum Results and Vote Shares
According to data shared by Iceland's public broadcaster RUV, nearly 70 percent of the votes have been counted in the referendum held in the country of approximately 400,000 inhabitants.
Based on the tally results, 52.5 percent of the public did not want the negotiations to restart, while 47.5 percent voted 'Yes'.
Government Approach and Statements
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stated that she was extremely pleased with the voter turnout in the referendum.
Prime Minister Frostadottir expressed that the government will act in accordance with the outcome that emerged from the ballot box.
Past Process and Return to Status Quo
Iceland first submitted its application for European Union membership in 2009.
The process had been suspended when an anti-EU government came to power in 2013 while membership negotiations were ongoing.
Coalition Decision and Voting Process
Following the latest elections held in the country in 2024, a coalition led by the Social Democratic Alliance had been formed.
This newly established coalition government had decided to take the public to a referendum on whether or not to restart negotiations.