Iceland’s referendum result was the political equivalent of turning down a date with the EU before talks even began. Icelanders rejected restarting accession negotiations by 52.8% to 47.2%, dealing a setback to both the pro-EU government in Reykjavík and Brussels, [Politico](https://www.politico.eu/article/icelanders-say-no-to-restarting-talks-to-join-the-eu) reported.

Washington, meanwhile, stressed that the vote changes nothing about Iceland’s place in NATO. The [State Department](https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/08/icelands-august-29-referendum/) said it respects the sovereign decision and remains confident in Iceland’s “continuing trajectory as a strong and valuable NATO ally and close partner” of the United States and Europe.

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