Iceland Is Joining The EU
- 26.08.2026, 20:00
Pressure from the U.S. and Russia is pushing the country toward Europe.
For the first time in many years, Iceland may take a new step toward joining the European Union. On August 29, the country’s citizens will vote in a referendum on resuming negotiations with Brussels, according to Foreign Policy (translation by Charter97.org).
For decades, Iceland has kept its distance from the EU, fearing it would lose control over its own resources and part of its national sovereignty. Now, attitudes toward European integration are shifting amid growing geopolitical tensions and new security threats in the Arctic.
Iceland is already a member of the European Economic Area and a founding member of NATO, but the country lacks its own military capabilities. Since 1951, its defense has largely relied on an agreement with the United States. Against this backdrop, EU membership is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s position through closer ties with European partners.
The issue took on particular significance following statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Torgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir used the situation as argument in favor of European cooperation.
At the same time, economic factors also play an important role. Iceland still depends on fishing and tourism, and the Icelandic króna is prone to inflation and sharp fluctuations. According to a report for the Ministry of Finance, the costs of maintaining the country’s own currency already outweigh its benefits.
The main challenges relate to fishery resources. EU accession would require alignment with the Common Fisheries Policy, which is causing concern among local residents.
“We will lose control over our fishery resources,” said Hannes Holmsteinn Gissurarson, a professor at the University of Iceland.
“However, for Brussels, Iceland’s potential accession would be an important geopolitical gain. The country could strengthen the EU’s northern flank and its presence in the Arctic,” the publication writes.
“A positive outcome in Iceland could be the very impetus that sets the process in motion in Norway as well,” says Georg Rikeles , an expert at the European Policy Center .
For now, the outcome of the vote is difficult to predict. The latest polls show only a slight lead for those in favor of resuming negotiations. Even if the “yes” side wins, Iceland will face new negotiations and a second referendum—this time on the specific terms of accession.
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