Icelanders reject EU-accession talks, broadcaster RUV reports

REYKJAVIK – Icelanders have voted to stay out of the European Union (EU), broadcaster RUV reported on Aug 30, rejecting a government push to reopen membership talks and siding with those who said Iceland’s fishing waters were too important to risk.A “no” vote will disappoint Brussels, as some officials had cast Iceland as a low-risk case that could help ease scepticism toward EU enlargement and strategically strengthen the bloc when Arctic security is in focus.The government had framed its membership plan as a “now or never” moment, and Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told voters in August that a “no” would put all EU speculation aside.“Yes” campaigners have said joining the bloc could ease high interest rates and offer more security in a world unsettled by war in Ukraine and US Presi