Iceland opposition leader urges EU to stay out of referendum on membership talks

Iceland’s opposition leader has called on European politicians to avoid influencing the country’s upcoming referendum on whether to reopen negotiations on EU membership, arguing that the decision should be made solely by Icelandic voters.

Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, leader of the centre-right Independence Party, told POLITICO that the August 29 vote should be free from “foreign influences”, framing the issue as a question of national sovereignty and Iceland’s hard-won independence.

The referendum will not determine whether Iceland joins the European Union. Instead, voters will decide whether the country should resume accession talks with Brussels, with any eventual membership agreement requiring a separate public vote.

Hafsteinsdóttir said the vote would be closely contested, with Icelanders divided over reopening negotiations, although opposition to full EU membership remains stronger.

The referendum fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir’s coalition government, which took office in late 2024. Supporters say reopening talks would allow Iceland to reassess its relationship with the bloc, while opponents argue the country already benefits from close cooperation through the European Economic Area and the Schengen zone without being an EU member.

Several European politicians have welcomed the possibility of renewed negotiations, including EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and French officials, as Brussels seeks to strengthen its enlargement agenda amid geopolitical tensions and competition from global powers.

Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 following a severe financial crisis but suspended negotiations in 2013 after economic recovery and disagreements over fishing rights.

Hafsteinsdóttir said Iceland should remain a close European partner but retain control over key national policies, particularly fisheries, agriculture and economic decisions.

The debate has also taken on a security dimension amid growing Arctic tensions. While supporters argue EU membership could strengthen Iceland’s position, opponents insist the country can maintain strong alliances through NATO without giving up decision-making powers.

“We are a small state, and a small state needs strong alliances,” Hafsteinsdóttir said, while arguing that Iceland must also preserve the ability to make decisions based on its own in