Why should you care about the EU REFERENDUM in ICELAND?

On 29 August 2026, Icelanders will head to the polls to decide whether reopening or not negotiations to join the EU. Why now? Is it likely to succeed? What are the potential sticking points? In Episode 5 of EU Democracy Unpacked, we explore the stakes and potential impact of this referendum, be it for Iceland or the EU.

EU Democracy Unpacked is our short video series exploring the power of democratic life in Europe. Each episode focuses on a different development in EU democracy, from national elections to citizens’ initiatives.

Script: Baptiste Roman
Filming: Baptiste Roman
Editing: Baptiste Roman

Data sourced from Morgunblaðið, RÚV, Háskóli Íslands, Alþingi, POLITICO Europe, EUObserver

Copyright information, in order of appearance:

©Gallup
©OddurBen
©European Union, 2025
©European Union, 2025
©European Union, European Communities, 2009
©European Union, European Communities, 2009
©Statista
©European Union, 2026
©Voice of America
©European Union, 2025

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CERV Acknowlegments (Co-Finacing)

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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