Iceland’s citizens turned down a proposal to resume negotiations with the European Union, voting 52.8% against the move, according to Public Broadcaster RUV.
The referendum, held on Saturday, saw a turnout of 82.5 %—the highest since 2009—when voters in the 400‑k people country debated whether EU membership would allow the country to keep its fishing rights and national sovereignty.
The No campaign, anchored in the protection of fisheries and a strong sense of independence after the 1970s Cod Wars, won by a margin of 12,600 votes. Meanwhile the Yes side argued that EU accession would bring economic benefits and greater security through NATO and the EU’s joint defence framework.
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir said the government would not revisit the issue while it was in power, although a second referendum could happen after an eventual accession agreement.
The result is seen as a setback for Brussels but raises questions about whether all Arctic nations will fit into the EU’s single market and fiscal policy.
