Iceland Voters Reject Resuming EU Membership Talks in Referendum

Iceland voters have rejected a government-backed referendum to reopen European Union membership talks, broadcaster RUV reported on Sunday, Aug. 30. The “no” campaign successfully argued that joining the EU would jeopardize the island’s sovereignty and vital fishing waters, countering arguments that membership would ease high interest rates and improve regional security. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stated the outcome puts an end to EU speculation.