Iceland Considers Continuing EU Membership Talks

RunWithRugs · 2026-03-16T18:18:54+00:00

Iceland may hold a referendum on resuming EU membership talks as early as August, following rising geopolitical tensions and a previously set 2027 timeline. This comes amid controversy over US President Trump's remarks regarding Greenland and NATO.

RunWithRugs

2026-03-16 18:18:54

Abstract generation in progress

(MENAFN) Iceland is reportedly considering holding a referendum on restarting EU membership negotiations as soon as August, according to sources familiar with the country’s accession plans.

The Nordic nation’s current governing coalition had previously pledged to hold a vote on resuming talks by 2027, after a prior government suspended the process in 2013. Reports indicate that Reykjavík may announce the date for the referendum within weeks due to rising geopolitical uncertainty.

The potential acceleration of EU accession talks comes amid tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to seize Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous territory. Trump initially refused to rule out using military force to annex the island, prompting turmoil within NATO and drawing European leaders to support Greenland’s refusal to become part of the US.

Last month, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Reykjavik, former Congressman Billy Long, joked that Iceland, also a NATO member, could become the 52nd US state with himself as governor. The remark sparked outrage in Iceland and led Reykjavík to seek clarification from Washington. Long maintained that his comment was intended as humor.

MENAFN15032026000045017281ID1110862228

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

2 Likes