Iceland’s EU Bid: A Knife-Edge Vote Over Fishing and Trump’s Shadow

Iceland goes to the polls today in a razor-thin referendum on whether to restart European Union membership talks. The vote could reverse the Nordic nation’s long-standing decision to stay outside the bloc. The country shelved its previous EU application over disagreements on fishing rights. Those concerns remain central to the debate. However, a shifting geopolitical landscape has forced a rethink. In particular, threats from former US President Donald Trump to seize control of Greenland have rattled the region. That pressure has pushed Icelandic leaders and voters to reconsider their isolation. A "yes" vote would reopen formal negotiations with Brussels. A "no" vote would keep Iceland outside the EU, preserving its full control over its lucrative fishing waters. The result is expected to be extremely close, with polls showing the nation almost evenly split.