Iceland is preparing for a tight referendum regarding the resumption of EU accession negotiations.

Iceland is preparing for a crucial referendum, the question being whether to resume negotiations for accession to the European Union. If the pro camp wins, the government will receive the mandate to resume the discussions suspended in 2013.

Iceland applied for membership in 2009, after the financial crisis, and negotiations began in 2010, advancing rapidly due to the application of European legislation. However, issues related to fishing and agriculture remain unresolved. Iceland is already part of the European Economic Area, but it does not have voting rights in the adoption of EU rules, which generates discontent. Fishing, a vital industry for the Icelandic economy, is a sensitive subject, and accession could affect control over marine resources.

The geopolitical context has changed, and national security is becoming an important concern. The Icelandic government is divided, but it has decided to let the population decide. Polls show a tie between supporters and opponents, and mobilizing undecided voters will be essential. Accession could bring economic benefits, but also challenges related to sovereignty.