EU debate in Reykjavik nearly sells out before referendum

Only a few seats remain for a debate on Iceland’s EU membership at Harpa concert hall in Reykjavik on Sunday evening, mbl.is reports. The event takes place nearly two weeks before the 29 August referendum on the issue.

The debate will be held in Kaldalón at Harpa at 8 p.m. under the title “Já til að sjá?”

Members of parliament Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson and Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir of the Independence Party will argue against EU membership. Jónas Hagan and Hjálmar Vilhjálmsson will argue in favour. Both are board members of the recently established Já til að sjá movement, which supports a yes vote.

The event is organised by Paradigm, an association established to promote discussion of social issues among Icelandic and foreign speakers. The association has previously held several similar events.

Paradigm representative Gunnlaugur Jónsson said two speakers from each side would give 10-minute opening statements. The speakers would then have an opportunity to respond to their opponents, followed by questions from the audience lasting 30 to 40 minutes. Each speaker would conclude with a five-minute closing statement.

The event is expected to last about two hours, with no break. Tickets are available through tix.is.