Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, has stated that the powerful shifts in the geopolitical order, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Donald Trump’s trade war, will impact their plan to hold a referendum on EU accession by 2027. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a balanced discussion on this crucial decision, mentioning that the current geopolitical situation will play a significant role in this decision-making process. Frostadóttir highlighted that joining the EU should be seen as part of a broader picture, including aspects like trade, economy, finance, and culture, rather than driven by fear.
Iceland submitted its first application to join the EU in 2009 and opened negotiations in 2010, although the bid was later withdrawn in 2015. Despite this, the country remains a part of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area, closely aligned with EU rules. Prime Minister Frostadóttir plans to put the question of whether to resume accession talks to a referendum by 2027 and has also proposed setting up a panel of independent experts to examine the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the euro. Support for EU membership among Icelandic citizens has been steadily growing, with polls showing a significant percentage in favor of joining the bloc and having a referendum on the resumption of accession talks.
Iceland, like many European nations, is feeling the impact of the geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions caused by Russia and the United States. In the face of the trade war unleashed by President Trump, Iceland has been subjected to tariffs from the US, although not as severe as those imposed on the EU. While the EU looks for a negotiated solution and prepares countermeasures, Iceland has decided not to engage in tit-for-tat tariffs, believing in the importance of free trade. The Prime Minister expressed concerns over the potential escalation of these trade disputes and their impact on the Icelandic economy due to the country’s heavy dependence on exports and imports.
Frostadóttir also expressed concerns regarding Trump’s expansionist agenda, particularly his interest in annexing Greenland and his use of economic coercion or military threats to achieve this. She emphasized the importance of respecting self-determination for Greenland and raised alarm over Russia’s growing presence in the Arctic region. Trump’s actions have strained relations between the EU and the US, leaving countries like Iceland caught in the middle, as they rely on transatlantic unity for stability. The uncertainty created by Trump’s policies and actions has made many people uncomfortable, and the situation remains precarious for countries in the periphery of the EU.
In conclusion, the geopolitical shifts caused by various events, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Trump’s policies, have significant implications for Iceland’s plan to hold a referendum on EU accession by 2027. The Prime Minister stresses the need for a balanced discussion on this decision, considering multiple factors beyond just security. Iceland’s past attempts to join the EU have been complicated, but support for membership is growing among the citizens. The country faces challenges due to Trump’s trade war and concerns over his expansionist agenda, particularly regarding Greenland. The uncertain geopolitical landscape has left countries like Iceland in a delicate position, relying on transatlantic unity for stability while navigating the tensions between the EU and the US.
