Icelanders reject bid to restart EU accession talks in tight referendum

Iceland has held a referendum on whether to restart negotiations for European Union membership, with voters ultimately rejecting the proposal. According to figures reported by Iceland's national broadcaster RUV, 52.8% voted against resuming accession talks, while 47.2% voted in favour.

Crowds gathered in Reykjavik to follow the vote count as it unfolded, with both supporters and opponents of EU membership talks watching the results at separate gatherings.

Early lead for the "Yes" side

Early results showed a lead for the "Yes" campaign, whose supporters were seen cheering and celebrating what appeared to be a favourable outcome. Foreign Minister Thorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir was also spotted greeting supporters during this stage. As counting continued, however, momentum shifted towards the "No" campaign, whose supporters ultimately celebrated once the final result became clear.

Reykjavik the sole exception

When the count was complete, Reykjavik stood out as the only area of the country where a majority had voted in favour of restarting the talks. Across the rest of Iceland, opponents of resuming the accession process prevailed.

The outcome means Iceland will not, for now, proceed with a new round of EU membership negotiations.