According to the latest data from the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service RÚV, **more than 52% of voters opposed resuming negotiations with the EU**. "This government will not continue negotiations for EU membership," said Frostadóttir at a press conference following the voting results. The Prime Minister emphasized that the authorities intend to respect the will of the voters. According to her, the issue of EU membership is too complex to hold such referendums every year or every few years. At the same time, Frostadóttir did not rule out that attitudes towards European integration in Iceland may change someday. However, the current government promised to hold a referendum and now intends to follow its results. ### Why Some Icelanders Are Against the EU One of the main arguments of opponents of membership remains the concern that EU membership will limit the country's independence. The **fishing industry** is particularly sensitive for Iceland. Opponents of European integration fear that joining the EU will force the country to comply with pan-European fishing rules and may limit control over a vital natural resource for Iceland. Despite the referendum results, Reykjavik does not intend to distance itself from Europe. Frostadóttir emphasized that Iceland will continue to be a reliable partner of the EU within the **European Economic Area**, like Norway and Liechtenstein. Thus, the issue of Iceland's accession to the European Union, which has once again become the center of political disputes, is at least closed under the current government.
