Iceland is preparing a referendum on EU membership. A positive result would mean the country's accession ahead of the other candidates.

Iceland could hold a referendum in August to decide on the resumption of accession negotiations to the European Union, according to sources cited by Politico.eu.

This decision comes against the backdrop of a growing momentum for EU expansion, with Brussels working on a plan to grant Ukraine candidate status. Additionally, support for EU membership among the Icelandic population has increased, with 54% of respondents favoring this option, according to a June 2022 survey.

In the past, Iceland suspended the accession process in 2015, but has maintained close relations with the EU through the European Economic Area Agreement. Iceland is already part of Schengen and the European single market, which facilitates cooperation with the EU in various areas.