Iceland will vote on August 28 to decide on the resumption of EU accession negotiations. The head of French diplomacy: "Iceland has nothing to lose"

Iceland is preparing to vote in a referendum on August 28 regarding the resumption of accession negotiations to the European Union. Jean-Noël Barrot, the head of French diplomacy, stated that the vote does not affect accession, but rather the opening of negotiations, emphasizing the benefits of cooperation with Europe.

"The vote on August 28 does not prejudice anything; it does not concern in any case the accession to the European Union, but the opening of negotiations. Iceland has absolutely nothing to lose in negotiating with the European Union", said Jean-Noël Barrot.

Iceland applied for membership in 2009, but negotiations were suspended in 2015. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, her Icelandic counterpart, believes that accession would strengthen economic and national security in the context of external threats.

Although Iceland has access to the European single market through the European Economic Area, accession negotiations could be difficult, especially in the areas of fishing and agriculture. Barrot signed a roadmap to strengthen cooperation between France and Iceland, focused on security and sustainable ocean management.