Iceland rejects reopening talks on EU entry
Iceland's government has formally declined to restart negotiations on joining the European Union, closing the door on a process that was suspended in 2015. The decision, announced by the foreign ministry, cites the need to prioritize other policy areas and reflects a longstanding public skepticism toward EU membership. The move comes despite renewed interest in EU enlargement following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The government sees no reason to reopen the question of EU membership at this time.
- b1n
If they were truly meant to be in the EU they would just keep running new referendum until their people choose the "right" answer.
- xkbarkar
Even though I voted yes I completely understand the reluctance to join.
EU has shown gross incompetence in many questions and with chat control they are downright terrifying.
My own yes was because I would have liked to see the strategy and what EU could have on the table. Even if timeconsuming and costly.
And it would have been worth it just to scare the living daylights out of the few mafia families in Iceland that currently hold the fishing quota and treat it as their private playthings.
But I respect the choice of my countrymen and (hope) perhaps in another decade when we are hypothetically rid of Ursula Leyden and possibly Swedens and Denmarks terrifying need to peak into everones private lives, Iceland can look at negotiations again.
- elric
How do such referenda work in Iceland? Is this a simple Brexit-style yes/no question? Were people provided with context and arguments as to why (presumably?) the goverment was considering joining the EU?
- akmarinov
No new members until veto is dealt with, thanks.
- this_user
It's honestly a smart decision. They already have access to the common market just like Norway. Becoming a full member just means being subject to a EU governing body that has proven itself to be largely ineffective and incompetent, sometimes reaching the realm of "outright harmful" with things like Chat Control. Why would you want to be a part of that, especially if you would also be paying for that privilege?