Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Iceland Poll Shows Narrow Support for Renewing EU Talks
Icelanders are preparing to vote on whether their country should talk to the European Union about joining.
A new poll shows that just over half support restarting those talks.
Almost half oppose the idea.
The vote will not decide membership right away.
If talks restart, Iceland would later hold another vote on whether to join under the agreed terms.
Iceland stopped earlier membership talks in 2013.
Rising living costs, the war in Ukraine, and concerns about Greenland have renewed interest in the EU.
Iceland already participates in some European travel and trade arrangements but does not have a formal vote in EU decisions.
A Maskina poll found 51.3% of Icelanders support restarting EU membership negotiations, while 48.7% oppose them.
The referendum on August 29 will decide whether talks resume, not whether Iceland ultimately joins the European Union.
Support has fallen from 52.2% in an August 13 poll, narrowing the gap between the two sides.
Iceland ended its previous EU negotiations in 2013 after four years, but interest has since returned amid living-cost pressures and the war in Ukraine.
If voters approve talks, negotiations could begin by the end of 2026 and take an estimated 18 to 24 months.
- Who
- Icelandic voters, with the Maskina poll surveying 1,019 people.
- What
- A referendum will decide whether Iceland restarts negotiations to join the European Union.
- When
- The referendum is scheduled for August 29; the latest poll was conducted August 21–25.
- Where
- Iceland, concerning negotiations with the European Union in Brussels.
- Why
- Supporters point to greater influence over EU decisions and renewed geopolitical and economic interest; opponents reject restarting membership talks.
Support restarting EU talks
Oppose restarting EU talks
Political influence
Support restarting EU talks
Supporters say EU membership would give Iceland a direct role in decisions through institutions including the European Commission, Council of Ministers, and European Parliament.
Oppose restarting EU talks
Opponents oppose reopening the membership process; the article does not specify additional reasons for their position.
Economic and security concerns
Support restarting EU talks
Renewed interest has been linked to the rising cost of living, the war in Ukraine, and repeated U.S. threats to annex Greenland.
Oppose restarting EU talks
Opponents do not support restarting negotiations, and the cited poll shows they represent 48.7% of respondents.
Meaning of the referendum
Support restarting EU talks
Supporters are backing a process that could lead to accession talks and a later vote on membership terms.
Oppose restarting EU talks
Opponents reject taking that first step; the referendum itself would not make Iceland an EU member.
- Latest poll
- 51.3% support restarting EU negotiations; 48.7% oppose.
- Pollster and sample
- Maskina surveyed 1,019 people from August 21 to 25.
- Previous poll
- An August 13 survey recorded 52.2% support and 47.8% opposition.
- Referendum question
- The August 29 vote concerns restarting negotiations, not immediate EU membership.
- Previous talks
- Iceland abandoned EU membership negotiations in 2013 after four years.
- Current European arrangements
- Iceland is part of the European single market, Schengen, and the European Free Trade Association.
- Possible timetable
- If talks are approved, they could start by the end of 2026 and last 18 to 24 months.