Iceland Weighs EU Membership as Greenland Gambit Adds Geopolitical Tension

Iceland held a tight referendum on Saturday to decide whether to reopen membership talks with the European Union, testing the bloc's geopolitical appeal.

The polls suggest it will be a narrow decision, with supporters exceeding opponents by less than 1 percentage point in the latest survey. To join the EU, Iceland would need to go through accession talks and get approval from all existing members.

Campaigning has centered on preserving the nation's control over its fisheries industry and farming, which thrives in Arctic conditions. Supporters of joining the EU highlight potential benefits such as lower inflation and interest rates, as well as increased stability from a possible currency swap for the euro.