Iceland Voters Reject Opening Talks on European Union Membership

Referendum closes a long-running debate

Icelanders rejected a proposal to open negotiations on European Union membership in a national referendum, according to official tallies reported Thursday.

The vote followed years of argument over fisheries, monetary policy, and how closely the island should bind itself to continental rules while remaining in the European Economic Area.

What happens next in Reykjavik

Government leaders said they would respect the result and keep existing trade arrangements in place. Supporters of membership argued that closer ties would give Iceland more say over rules it already follows.

Opponents said independence over fishing grounds and the national currency remained too important to reopen accession talks.