Icelandic government proposes referendum on European Union membership negotiations

The Icelandic government has announced plans to propose a national referendum regarding the resumption of European Union accession negotiations. Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir stated that a draft resolution will be presented to parliament soon. While official statements suggest a potential vote on August 29, state broadcaster RUV reports that the referendum may likely be held in late September. Iceland originally applied for EU membership in 2009 following a financial crisis, but halted negotiations in 2013 and formally withdrew in 2015. Renewed interest in joining the bloc is attributed to rising living costs, the war in Ukraine, and geopolitical concerns regarding Greenland. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos remarked that EU membership offers a stable anchor for the nation. The proposal remains subject to parliamentary approval.