Iceland rejects EU accession talks in referendum

Icelanders have voted against starting membership talks with the European Union, prompting the Danish newspaper Berlingske to describe the result as a painful blow for Brussels, mbl.is reported.

“Iceland slams the door on EU membership. This is a no that stings in Brussels,” Berlingske wrote in a headline analysing the referendum on whether Iceland should begin accession negotiations with the EU.

The newspaper said Iceland had once again chosen to stand on its own. “Icelanders say no to starting negotiations on EU membership. This is about emotions, a deep-rooted desire for independence and fear of losing something,” its analysis said.

The coverage followed reports from other Nordic media. Sweden’s public broadcaster described the outcome as a setback for Brussels and said it raised questions about the EU’s appeal.

The final nationwide result showed the No side winning with 52.8 per cent of the vote, after the results from Iceland’s Southwest constituency were announced.