Home › DW       17.08.2026

Why Icelanders are reconsidering EU membership | DW News

A referendum on reopening Iceland's EU accession talks is dividing the country. Russia's war against Ukraine and Donald Trump's proposals regarding neighboring Greenland are shaping the debate. Supporters argue that EU membership could strengthen Iceland's security and influence, while opponents fear a loss of sovereignty, particularly over key industries such as fisheries. Eirikur Bergmann, Professor of Politics at Bifröst University in Iceland, discusses what's driving public opinion and whether voters are likely to back renewed accession negotiations.

Chapters: 00:00 Icelanders prepare to vote on EU membership talks 01:03 What drives “yes” campaigners and Euroskeptics 02:19 The benefits of joining a larger alliance 03:26 Why the question is divisive in parliament 04:17 Fishing and sovereignty are closely linked in Iceland 06:35 Interview Eirikur Bergmann, Bifrost University in Iceland 06:54 How important is this referendum for Icelanders? 07:29 How the Trump administration is shaping EU membership discussion 09:27 What Iceland would gain by joining the EU 11:39 Fishing rights are a key issue for Iceland

For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/

Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews

Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1 #iceland #eu #ukraine #dwcurrentaffairs

More video News