Iceland votes on whether to start EU membership talks, results too close to call

Icelanders voted on Saturday on whether to reopen membership talks with the European Union, with results too close to call. The campaign highlighted divisions over the cost of living, security, sovereignty, and control over fishing waters. Supporters argue EU membership could ease high interest rates and offer security amid global instability, while opponents contend it threatens sovereignty and fishing rights. Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir stated, "In times like these, small nations need to think carefully about where they stand and who stands with them." If voters approve, it would only initiate discussions with Brussels, with a second referendum on full membership likely years later. Opposition leader Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir countered, regarding economic issues, "These are not problems that Brussels will solve for us. These are problems that Icelandic politicians must solve." Iceland first applied in 2009 but shelved talks in 2013.