Icelanders react as the EU referendum results come in

Icelanders gathered in Reykjavik on Saturday evening to follow the results of a closely watched referendum on whether to restart talks to join the European Union. The vote, which drew national and international attention, saw both supporters and opponents of EU accession react with visible emotion as the results came in. Foreign Minister Thorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir was among those present, greeting supporters of the “Yes” campaign as early figures suggested an initial lead.

Campaigning ahead of the referendum had been intense, with Iceland’s national broadcaster RUV providing live coverage of the vote count. Supporters of restarting EU accession talks celebrated as early results showed Reykjavik in favor, but as the evening progressed, those backing the “No” side grew more vocal. The final tally, announced by RUV, showed a clear majority of Icelandic voters rejecting the proposal: 52.8 percent voted against restarting EU negotiations, while 47.2 percent were in favor.

Reykjavik was the only region where a majority of voters supported the measure, highlighting a sharp urban-rural divide in the nation’s stance on EU membership. The referendum was seen as a key moment for Iceland’s future relationship with Europe, coming after years of debate over the country’s position outside the European Union. Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 but suspended negotiations in 2015 amid shifting political priorities and public skepticism.

Political leaders across the spectrum reacted to the outcome. While pro-EU advocates expressed disappointment, opponents welcomed the decision as a reaffirmation of Iceland’s sovereignty and independence. The government now faces the task of addressing the results and determining next steps in its relationship with Brussels.

The referendum turnout was high, reflecting broad public engagement with the issue. Analysts noted that economic concerns, including fisheries and agricultural policies, played a significant role in shaping voter decisions. With the results now clear, attention turns to how Iceland’s leadership will respond and whether future discussions on EU integration may resurface in the years ahead.

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