Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe’s richest

Live updates

1. 10d ago

   Iceland Rejects EU Accession Talks in Referendum

   Icelandic voters have rejected talks to join the European Union in a national referendum. While early counts showed a lead for the yes vote, final reports indicate a rejection of accession. The decision maintains Iceland's status as a NATO member that straddles the U.S. and Europe. The government now intends to seek new security partnerships following the result. Analysts note that the vote represents a rejection of the EU specifically rather than a broader rejection of Europe, as the nation maintains close ties with the bloc.

   Why it matters

   The referendum occurred as some Nordic nations weighed closer European ties amid geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump. Iceland's decision is particularly linked to the protection of its fishing industry. This outcome creates a setback for the EU's broader enlargement goals.

   What is confirmed

   • Icelandic voters rejected EU accession talks in a referendum.
   • Iceland remains a NATO member.
   • The Icelandic government will seek new security partnerships after the vote.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The referendum result was influenced by the shadow of Donald Trump.

   What to watch next

   • Details of the new security partnerships Iceland seeks to establish
   • EU official response to the enlargement setback
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. CNN — A tiny nordic nation weighs moving closer to Europe under the shadow of Trump
   2. CNN — ‘Yes’ vote takes early lead in Iceland’s EU talks referendum
   3. BBC — Iceland EU referendum on a knife edge as counting continues
   4. The Guardian — Iceland appears to have rejected EU accession talks in referendum, reports say
   5. The Guardian — Definitely no or maybe yes: what tipped the Icelandic referendum
   6. The Economist — EU enlargement hits an Icelandic snag
   7. Reuters — Iceland to seek new security partnerships after voters reject EU accession talks
   8. WSJ — Iceland’s Rejection of EU Keeps It a NATO Island Straddling U.S. and Europe
   9. The Guardian — Iceland’s close ties with EU mean no vote is not a Brexit-style rejection
   10. politico.eu — What Iceland’s snub means for the EU’s place in the world
   11. National Review — We’ll Keep the Fish, Thanks
   12. Euronews.com — Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe’s richest
   confidence 90%