The vote was only about reopening preliminary discussions, not about joining the EU itself, but the outcome halts Iceland’s progress toward membership for the foreseeable future.

Political experts say the NO campaign won by emphasizing Iceland’s domestic identity, national independence, and the need to protect its fishing waters. In contrast, the YES side ran a technical campaign that failed to capture public enthusiasm.

Although the Prime Minister’s government called the referendum amid global geopolitical tensions, international issues did not dominate the debate. Voters chose to prioritize sovereignty and resource protection over broader geopolitical arguments.