Iceland Signals Public Support for Renewed EU Membership Talks

Iceland’s Foreign Minister Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir has confirmed that a growing number of Icelanders now support resuming negotiations to join the European Union.

In an interview with Politico, she noted that there is clear public backing for restarting accession talks that were suspended more than a decade ago.

Gylfadóttir emphasized that renewed dialogue with the EU has become strategically important, especially in light of shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

She also pointed out that Iceland made considerable progress during the previous negotiation phase, which lasted from 2010 to 2013 before being halted by a former conservative government.

While acknowledging that some complex issues remain, particularly concerning fisheries, agriculture, and energy, she expressed optimism that the Icelandic people would vote in favor of reopening talks.

The current coalition government has pledged to hold a referendum on restarting EU negotiations by 2027.