Iceland to hold referendum on resuming EU membership talks in coming months

2026-02-25 - 21:42

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir announced Wednesday that a national referendum on resuming European Union membership negotiations will be held in the coming months, potentially reviving a process frozen since 2015. Speaking at a Warsaw press conference alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Frostadóttir emphasized that the final decision on this significant foreign policy shift must rest with the Icelandic people. EU Support and Strategic Context Tusk expressed strong support for Iceland's potential integration, declaring "I would be very happy if Iceland, Norway and other countries in Europe became part of the same empire as Poland," and affirming that EU doors remain open should Iceland choose to proceed. Iceland maintains membership in the European Economic Area and Schengen Zone but withdrew its 2009 EU application in 2015 following disputes over fishing quotas and national sovereignty concerns. The referendum debate comes amid renewed domestic discussion about Icelandic Krona stability and rising inflation pressures. Historical Background Iceland's EU accession process has been dormant for over a decade, with the 2009 application formally withdrawn after negotiations stalled. The country's relationship with Brussels remains complex: while deeply integrated economically through the EEA and Schengen, full membership would require accepting Common Fisheries Policy regulations—a sensitive issue for Iceland's vital fishing industry. Frostadóttir's announcement signals potential momentum change as European integration debates continue across the Nordic region.