The European Union wants and wishes for Iceland's accession, but polls show that 47% of Icelanders oppose it. Fishing is the main issue, and the EU could offer exemptions.

The European Union is proposing to attract Iceland as a new member, in the context of deteriorating relations with the USA and increasing global insecurity. Recent polls indicate that 47% of Icelanders are against joining, while 40% support it, with fishing being a crucial issue.

Officials in Brussels suggest that the EU could offer Iceland exemptions in fishing policy to facilitate the membership application. Iceland is preparing for a referendum in August regarding the resumption of membership negotiations, in light of security concerns generated by the war in Ukraine and threats from the USA. The EU Commissioner for fishing, Costas Kadis, stated that there is "room for flexibility" in discussions regarding fishing rights. Although EU membership is a controversial topic in Iceland, the current geopolitical context could influence citizens' decisions. An Icelandic official emphasized that an exemption regarding fishing could tip the balance in favor of membership.