No Decision Yet on Timing of EU Referendum, Foreign Minister Says

2026-02-24 - 12:55

Iceland’s Foreign Minister has rejected reports suggesting a referendum on resuming European Union accession talks could be held as early as August. Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said no decision has been taken on the timing of a vote, responding to a report by Politico which cited unnamed sources indicating a possible summer referendum. In comments to mbl.is, she described such claims as speculation. What's the Story? Statement by Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir on timing of EU referendum Government agreement requires vote on continuation of EU negotiations no later than 2027 Parliamentary resolution on referendum to be submitted during current spring session Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Speculation dismissed “There are all kinds of speculations out there all over the world about all kinds of things. This is just what they are putting forward,” Þorgerður told the news agency, in response to Politico’s article. Under the government’s coalition agreement, a referendum on whether to continue negotiations on Iceland’s EU membership must be held “no later than” 2027. The minister said this commitment, along with her pledge to submit a parliamentary resolution during the current spring session, are the only confirmed elements. “There are two things that are certain in this matter; what is stated in the government agreement that a vote on the continuation of negotiations will be held no later than 2027, and the other is what I said at the beginning of this spring session that I would submit the parliamentary resolution proposal in this spring session. That is what has been decided.” She added that any decision would prioritise Icelandic interests and allow voters to take a position on future options.