Counting is under way in Iceland after voters cast ballots in a referendum on whether the country should resume talks to join the European Union, years after those discussions stalled.
Key facts
- Iceland held a referendum on whether to resume EU membership talks.
- Vote counting is currently under way.
- Previous negotiations to join the EU had stalled years ago.
- A final result had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Counting is under way in Iceland following a referendum asking voters whether the country should resume talks to join the European Union, according to Sky News. The vote revisits a question that has lingered in Icelandic politics for years after earlier accession negotiations stalled.
The referendum puts the issue of EU membership back before the public, giving Icelanders a direct say on whether their government should return to the negotiating table with Brussels.
Iceland had previously pursued discussions on joining the EU, but those talks did not reach a conclusion. The new vote signals renewed attention to the long-running debate over the country’s relationship with the bloc.
As officials tally the ballots, the result will determine whether Iceland’s government has a public mandate to reopen accession talks. The count remains ongoing, and a final outcome had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Why it matters
Iceland's referendum could reshape the country's future relationship with the European Union after years of stalled negotiations. A vote to resume talks would revive a long-dormant accession process, while a rejection would keep the question shelved. The final result had not yet been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Frequently asked questions
What is Iceland voting on?
Icelanders voted in a referendum on whether the country should resume talks to join the European Union, according to Sky News.
Why had the previous talks stopped?
Earlier discussions on Iceland joining the EU had stalled years ago, though the sources do not specify the reasons.
Is there a result yet?
No final result has been confirmed. Counting was under way at the time of reporting, and the vote is reported to be tight.