Iceland’s close ties with EU mean no vote is not a Brexit-style rejection
Iceland's recent vote against reopening EU accession talks is being misinterpreted by some as a Brexit-style rejection of the bloc. In reality, Iceland maintains a highly integrated relationship with the EU and chose to preserve its current status rather than pursue full membership.
Why it matters
It clarifies the nuances of European geopolitics and corrects the narrative that all EU-skepticism is rooted in the same motivations as the UK's Brexit.
Supporters of Iceland’s pro-EU campaign celebrate the Reykjavík results on Sunday. The final tally would, however, see the country vote against accession. Supporters of Iceland’s pro-EU campaign celebrate the Reykjavík results on Sunday. The final tally would, however, see the country vote against accession. Iceland Analysis Iceland’s close ties with EU mean no vote is not a Brexit-style rejection Jon Henley Europe correspondent A yes to membership would have given Brussels a boost but Icelanders have not voted to isolate themselves
Iceland’s 52.8% to 47.2% vote against reopening EU accession talks is, undeniably, a blow for Brussels. But claiming it as a Brexit-style victory for “national sovereignty” or evidence of broad rejection of the EU misrepresents the reality of the island’s relationship with the bloc.
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