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Sunday, 18 October 2026 Icelandic stories. Global audience.
Business & Politics

Iceland holds referendum on resuming talks with European Union

Icelanders are voting on whether to restart accession negotiations with the EU, in a closely contested referendum. Talks have been on hold since 2013.

Reykjavík city buildings from above
File photo.

Icelanders are casting their votes today in a national referendum on whether the country should resume accession negotiations with the European Union, according to mbl.is. The vote is seen as closely contested and marks the first time in years that the question of EU membership has returned to centre stage in Icelandic politics.

Negotiations between Iceland and the EU have been suspended since 2013. In this referendum, voters are faced with a clear choice on the ballot: Yes or No to restarting talks, mbl.is reports.

Only Icelandic citizens who are domiciled in Iceland have the right to participate in this referendum. The result is being closely watched in light of recent opinion polls showing the race is tight, though betting markets reportedly give the No side a clear edge, according to Nútíminn.

The outcome of the referendum and voter turnout figures are not yet known.

IcelandWire will provide updates as results become available.

Sources