Iceland Rejects Restarting EU Membership Talks After Election

Iceland opposes E.U. membership talks as local concerns outweigh fears of Trump

Opponents of restarting negotiations to join the European Union argued that joining the bloc would undermine national control of fishing, farming and other top priorities.

By Aoife Walsh

As Icelanders say no to resuming EU talks, what issues weighed in the election?

Iceland's voters rejected restarting negotiations to join the European Union in a referendum that pitted concerns about geopolitical stability against keeping national control of Iceland’s prized fisheries. Talks with the EU to join the bloc had begun after the 2008 financial crisis but had been ended by a Eurosceptic government. But why did Icelanders say no? FRANCE 24's Armen Georgian tells us more.

By FRANCE24

Iceland to seek new security partnerships after voters reject EU accession talks

Iceland says no as the EU’s appeal comes under pressure

As European officials return to work in September, they have been met with an unexpected setback. In a referendum on August 29, Icelanders narrowly voted against restarting negotiations to join the European Union. Although the decision was mainly based on domestic concerns, it was an unwelcome surprise for EU officials. Public broadcaster RUV reported that […]

By Theodosis Pipis

Tractor trip to Dalvík draws attention

When Gunnhildur Gylfadóttir, a farmer in Svarfaðardalur, pulled up at the polling station in Dalvík on Saturday to cast her vote on whether to continue accession talks with the European Union, she attracted considerable attention, both for her impressive mode of transport and no less for the fine traditional Icelandic costume she wore to the polling booth.