Former PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir to vote 'no' on EU accession talks

Former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has broken her silence on political matters since leaving parliament, declaring her intention to vote 'no' on continuing accession talks with the European Union. Speaking at a rally for 'Áfram Ísland' (Forward Iceland) on Austurvöllur square, Jakobsdóttir articulated her reasons for opposing further engagement with the EU.

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The decision we face is much bigger than one can comment on.

"The decision we face is much bigger than one can comment on," Jakobsdóttir stated, emphasizing the gravity of the choice before the nation. She explained her decision to speak out, saying, "The referendum has been referred to the people. I belong to the people like anyone else. I felt there was every reason to explain how I came to the conclusion to say no in the vote on Saturday."

Jakobsdóttir revealed that her initial support for exploring EU membership during Iceland's difficult post-financial crisis period was conditional. "I had significant reservations about EU membership when I agreed to say yes, when Iceland was in a very difficult situation after the crash. I felt it was my duty to explore all avenues. That experience strengthened my belief that this is not the right path," she explained.

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The referendum has been referred to the people. I belong to the people like anyone else. I felt there was every reason to explain how I came to the conclusion to say no in the vote on Saturday.

Her opposition is further informed by the EU's economic policies towards member states and the outcomes of negotiations concerning agriculture and fisheries. "One might say I've looked into the package, and then one might say, 'Don't we have the right to that too?' but one doesn't need more than to familiarize oneself with the issues," she remarked, referring to the accessibility of the EU's foundational treaties.

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I had significant reservations about EU membership when I agreed to say yes, when Iceland was in a very difficult situation after the crash. I felt it was my duty to explore all avenues. That experience strengthened my belief that this is not the right path.

Jakobsdóttir believes Iceland's best course is to remain outside the European Union while continuing to foster cooperation with the EU and other nations. She has largely abstained from public political discourse since departing from politics in 2024.

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One might say I've looked into the package, and then one might say, 'Don't we have the right to that too?' but one doesn't need more than to familiarize oneself with the issues.