Iceland EU referendum on a knife edge as counting continues
Iceland is holding a closely contested referendum on whether to resume accession negotiations with the European Union. While the government supports the move, voters remain divided, with concerns over the impact on the nation's vital fishing industry.
Why it matters
The outcome could significantly alter Iceland's economic and political alignment, potentially impacting the EU's geopolitical footprint in the North Atlantic.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir votes in the referendum in Reykjavik
Iceland's closely fought referendum on whether to resume membership talks with the European Union is going down to wire, with the result too close to call.
Based on the first 153,197 votes counted of the 270,000 voters eligible, 50.1% rejected the government's proposal, while 49.9% said yes, public broadcaster RUV said, with just 435 votes splitting them.
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir's centre-left government promised to hold a referendum by 2027, but brought it forward because of international tensions, including US President Donald Trump's threats against Greenland.
However, debate in this island nation of almost 400,000 people centred more on its fishing industry rather than security concerns.
Already part of the EU's single market and Schengen border-free zone, EU membership would bring Iceland into the customs union and eventually the euro.
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