Iceland says no to the EU; voters reject resuming accession talks in referendum

Brussels – Iceland says no to the European Union. The referendum called to decide whether to resume negotiations, which had begun and were then left in limbo for over ten years, rejected a return to the negotiating table. Icelandic citizens have once again shut the door on the EU, this time probably for good: it is difficult to imagine that, following a public vote, it will revisit the issue. Doubts and fears regarding the transfer of sovereignty outweigh the benefits of joining the Union, even though the country appears divided on the issue. The “no” vote to reopen negotiations prevailed, with 52.8 per cent of valid votes cast, a majority, certainly, but one that leaves half the island holding a different view.

In Brussels, the news is being taken in stride, with efforts to avoid making a big deal of it. Immediately after the official results were announced, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, “exchanged messages” with the Icelandic Prime Minister Kristùn Frostadóttir. A spokesperson reported that Costa had expressed his “full respect” for the democratic choice of the Icelandic people, whilst remaining open to strengthening bilateral cooperation through other channels. “Iceland remains one of the EU’s closest and most trusted partners, including through the European Economic Area (EEA)”, Costa stressed. At the end of the exchange of messages, the spokesperson added, “both leaders expressed their desire to continue strengthening relations between the EU and Iceland.”

The European Commission remained silent. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who is usually very active and responsive on social media, has not written a single word or made a single comment on the outcome of a vote in which Euro-critical and Eurosceptic forces are instead thriving. It is, first and foremost, the Italian representatives in Europe who never miss a chance to fire shots at the EU: Iceland’s decision is “a choice in the name of sovereignty and independence,” said Susanna Ceccardi (League/PfE). A comment that reiterates the call for less Europe and more power for national parliaments – a cause so dear to the Carroccio’s representatives.

This view was also expressed, in different terms, by Nicola Procaccini (FdI), co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group: “If a prosperous, democratic European country that is open to the world is not convinced that resuming EU accession negotiations is the right path, the European Union should ask itself how it can better respect sovereignty and the principle of subsidiarity.” For the Fratelli d’Italia MEP, there are no alternatives: “The European Union must reflect on this,” and also reflect on how to “become more effective and competitive and focus more clearly on the sectors in which European cooperation brings real value.”

Sandro Gozi (RE) offers a different perspective: “Fishing decided the outcome of this referendum”, he said. In his view, once again, “Icelanders feared losing their great economic power, upon which they have also built part of their identity and their history.” The Liberal MEP, however, wishes to be clear on one point: “For the EU, it is a missed opportunity, but it does not weaken it.”