Iceland

Europe News

EU tries to turn the page on enlargement after Iceland's referendum

Senior EU officials are downplaying the negative effect of Iceland's referendum as ministers meet in Dublin to keep enlargement momentum going for candidate countries, while discussions on democratic safeguards are ongoing and national elections loom.

4 September 2026

Moments

Behind the lens with the ‘really bad photographer’ in Iceland

What happens when Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes meet the ‘world’s worst photographer’? Icelandair set Blanche Mortemard on a 10-day adventure, and here’s what her itinerary looked like.

3 September 2026

EU.XL

Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe’s richest

Nine candidate countries are racing to get into the European Union. Three of Europe’s wealthiest democracies are doing everything they can to stay out. Is the EU’s pull weaker on the continent’s richest?

3 September 2026

The Cube

How inaccurate claims may have affected Iceland's EU referendum

The Icelandic EU referendum raised a number of important issues for voters, but also a series of unclear claims.

2 September 2026

EU.XL

Iceland said ‘No’ to EU membership talks. What does it mean?

Icelanders voted to keep their stalled EU membership bid on ice, dealing a blow to Brussels' post-Ukraine enlargement drive. Watch the video!

2 September 2026

Europe News

The EU gave Iceland the silent treatment. It didn't work, again

Brussels stayed mostly silent during Iceland's referendum campaign, which ended with 52.8% voting against resuming EU accession talks, echoing its muted response to Brexit a decade earlier.

1 September 2026

EU.XL

What does Iceland’s “No” vote mean for the EU’s enlargement policy?

Iceland won’t reopen EU membership negotiations after 58.2 percent voted against in Saturday’s referendum. Does this challenge whether the EU can still attract stable, wealthy democracies for reasons beyond finances?

1 September 2026

Europe News

Iceland’s 'no' vote deals a blow to Brussels’ security pitch

Iceland rejected reopening EU membership, dealing a blow to Brussels' hope that security fears could draw wealthy neighbours closer to the bloc.

31 August 2026

EU.XL

Does the EU need more member states?

After Iceland voted ‘no’ to joining the EU, what’s the status of European enlargement? Nine candidate countries are waiting in line, but so far none is as close to accession as Iceland would have been.

31 August 2026

Europe Today

A cold shower from the north

Good morning, readers. We’re back. Europe Today is live on your screens from 8.00 CEST every weekday — and back in your inboxes from 8.30. I’m Mared Gwyn, with you today and for the rest of the week.

31 August 2026

Europe Today

Iceland says no to EU talks, Hoekstra warns on wildfires and China

Iceland has voted "No" to resuming EU accession talks, shelving membership hopes for years. Europe Today breaks down the result with farming and pro-EU voices from Reykjavík, hears from Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, and reports from Mons on NATO's spy scandal.

31 August 2026

Europe News

Relief and sorrow in Iceland as EU membership talks referendum fails

The result of the referendum has also been hailed by right-wing figures from across the UK and France.

30 August 2026

Europe News

EU offers muted reaction after Iceland rebuffs accession talks

The EU institutions say they fully respect the choice of the Icelandic people after voters said "no" to reopening accession negotiations. The result threatens to dampen the momentum on enlargement policy.

30 August 2026

Europe News

Iceland says 'No': Four takeaways from the EU accession referendum

Iceland has voted 52.8% to 47.2% against resuming accession negotiations with the European Union, effectively closing the door on membership. Here are the four takeaways from the referendum.

30 August 2026

No Comment

Icelanders react as the EU referendum results come in

Icelanders react as voters reject a proposal to restart European Union accession talks in a closely contested referendum.

30 August 2026

Europe News

Iceland's rejection of accession talks is major blow to EU enlargement

The "No" vote in the referendum to reopen accession talks could be seen as a political message to Brussels: the burdens of EU membership outweigh the benefits – at least in the public's view.

30 August 2026