Iceland could hold a referendum as early as August on restarting EU accession talks, accelerating a pledge to vote by 2027. The move comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, including renewed U.S. tariffs and controversial remarks by President Donald Trump regarding Greenland.
Momentum for EU enlargement is growing, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos highlighting security and stability as key drivers. Iceland, strategically located in the North Atlantic and reliant on NATO and a 1951 U.S. defence pact, is reassessing its position.
Reykjavík applied to join the EU in 2009 but froze talks in 2013 and withdrew candidate status in 2015. Public support is now rising, though fishing rights remain a major hurdle. Brexit may ease tensions that previously complicated negotiations.
As a member of the European Economic Area and Schengen, Iceland already aligns with much EU law and had closed 11 of 33 negotiating chapters before talks stalled. While accession could proceed quickly on paper, political sensitivities and a required second referendum would shape the timeline.
via Politico
