Trump's Greenland threats have spilled into Iceland's referendum on joining EU
Icelandic voters are casting their ballots this week whether to reopen negotiations for joining the European Union in a referendum some see as a way to protect their island against Washington’s desire to expand into the North Atlantic.
TL;DR
- Iceland is holding a referendum on whether to reopen negotiations for EU membership.
- Concerns about US expansionism, fueled by President Trump's interest in Greenland, are a key driver for some voters.
- Proponents see EU membership as a security measure against foreign encroachment.
- Opponents worry about adopting EU regulations, especially concerning the vital fishing industry.
- Iceland is a NATO member but lacks a standing military, and has noted increased Russian and Chinese presence in the North Atlantic.
- The process of joining the EU is lengthy and requires unanimous approval from member states.
- Previous attempts to join the EU were halted by a conservative government in 2015.
- Current polling shows a very close split between 'Yes' and 'No' voters.
- The Prime Minister has characterized this as the final referendum on the issue.