What does Iceland’s No to the EU mean?
The Icelanders have voted by a narrow majority against joining the EU. On Saturday, 52.8 percent rejected the resumption of accession negotiations in a referendum. The Social Democratic government initiated the vote in the hope that EU membership would offer the country better protection against territorial claims such as those made by Trump regarding Greenland. For opponents, national sovereignty and control over fishing waters took precedent.
Benefits not explained
The Icelanders were not convinced of the advantages of joining the EU, according to The Irish Times:
“Many were unconvinced that EU membership would offer meaningful protection from Trump, not least because Iceland is already a Nato member. Iceland already benefits from EU links as part of the single market, and of both the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen agreement for passport-free travel. Membership of the EU would have brought it into the customs union and eventually the euro, but the government struggled to sell the additional benefits of this step.”
Hopes of outpost in the Arctic dashed
The EU has failed to secure an important strategic advantage, La Stampa laments:
“The island occupies a key geographical position between Europe, Greenland and North America. ... If the Icelandic stronghold had adopted a clearly pro-European course, the EU's entire defence and security strategy would have gained a strategic advantage: surveillance and control stations could have been established, the Greenland–Iceland–Europe axis could have been strengthened, and measures could have been taken to curb China's ambitions regarding trade and mineral resources in this part of the Arctic.”
A boon for EU sceptics
Instead of rejoicing at the prospect of a potential new EU member, a very different mood is taking hold, Weekendavisen notes:
“Now we must endure the humiliation of seeing the referendum's domestic political opponent rejoice and hail the vote as a major victory in the battle against Brussels. The leader of the British party Reform UK, Nigel Farage – a key figure in the UK's exit from the EU – is delighted that Iceland will 'retain its independence'. And in France, Marine Le Pen has written that the referendum highlights the possibility of a 'Europe of free, sovereign nations'.”
Shelved until the next financial crisis?
The EU is particularly valued in Iceland in times of crisis, writes Rzeczpospolita:
“The last time joining the EU was seriously considered in Reykjavík was during the financial crisis of 2008–2009. When it became apparent that the Icelandic financial system was on the verge of collapse, the protection offered by the Eurozone suddenly seemed attractive. But as soon as the situation had returned to normal the Icelanders turned their backs on Europe. Today, many experts believe that the world is once again on the brink of a financial crash. ... The Icelandic króna, a currency of minor international relevance, could fall victim to this. Perhaps then the Icelanders' desire to join the EU will be revived.”
A misinterpretation of democracy
The Süddeutsche Zeitung criticises the fact that this referendum took place at all:
“Accession talks with the EU are a protracted and tedious business, involving more than 30 areas of discussion. Frostadóttir wanted to secure a negotiating mandate from the people. But it is not the people's job to familiarise themselves with more than 30 policy areas to then make an informed decision. That is the job of a prime minister and her government. It is the politicians who must bear the responsibility for such a momentous decision; that is what they are elected to do. Passing that responsibility on to the people is, as was the case in the UK in 2016, a misinterpretation of democracy.”