Iceland Rejects EU-Accession Talks in Close-Fought Referendum

Icelanders have voted to reject EU-accession talks in a close-fought referendum. The result, announced on Sunday, saw 52.8% of ballots cast against the government's proposal to hold negotiations with Brussels, while 47.2% were in favour. A total of 82.5% of eligible voters took part in the vote.

The debate over Iceland's membership in the EU has been ongoing for well over a decade, with opinion polls initially suggesting that the country would narrowly back holding membership talks. However, recent polls showed a shift in views, and it appears that concerns about fishing rights and the cost of living have prevailed.

Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir had framed EU membership as a shield against trade wars and Arctic rivalry, presenting the referendum as a 'now or never' moment. She said that a 'no' vote would end the debate for as long as her centre-left coalition was in power.

Voter Ragnhildur Skarphedinsdottir, 70, said she voted 'no' because Iceland was managing well on its own and looked brightly to the future. Opposition leader Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir, who led the 'no' campaign, said that the economic case for EU membership was overstated.

Iceland first applied to join the EU in 2009 when a financial crisis hit the country's small economy. A Eurosceptic government ended talks in 2013. The country has grappled with high inflation and interest rates, making mortgages expensive.