Iceland divided over EU accession: 'We don't trust others to best care for our interests'

Iceland stands at a crossroads regarding its relationship with the European Union, with a referendum on resuming accession negotiations set for August 29. The nation is deeply divided, reflecting contrasting views on national sovereignty and the benefits of EU integration.

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The largest group of immigrants in Iceland are Poles. I have had discussions with many of them. They say: 'do not join the European Union'. They are concerned, among other things, about the EU's immigration policy, warning that it is a complete failure.

Dilja Mist Einarsdóttir, a Member of the Althing (parliament) from the Independence Party, the largest opposition group, voices strong reservations about joining the EU. She notes that the largest immigrant group in Iceland, Poles, largely advises against membership. "They are concerned about the EU's immigration policy, warning that it is a complete failure," Einarsdóttir told Rzeczpospolita. This sentiment from immigrants, who are generally well-integrated and contribute significantly to Iceland's economy, adds a unique dimension to the debate.

Conversely, Paweł Bartoszek, a Polish-born MP and Chair of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, is a staunch proponent of EU membership. His party, Vidreisn (The Movement), a centrist liberal party formed in 2016, has made resuming EU negotiations a key policy goal. Iceland initially pursued EU membership negotiations from 2009 but halted them after the 2013 elections. The subsequent emergence of Vidreisn, partly from a split within the Independence Party, highlights the ongoing political struggle over the EU issue.

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Immigrants oppose immigration?

Bartoszek acknowledges the diversity of opinions within Iceland's Polish community, suggesting that EU membership is not a primary concern for all. However, official statistics show that Poles constitute nearly 30% of immigrants in Iceland, numbering 23,000 at the start of the year. Many have obtained Icelandic citizenship, and their views on political matters, including EU membership, are evolving. Historically, the left garnered the most votes among Poles in Iceland, but recent trends show a shift, with Sławomir Mentzen winning the first round of the presidential election among this demographic.

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Polish immigrants in Iceland are very successful. They integrate well. We gain a lot from their presence. We could not do without them.

If the upcoming referendum results in a vote to resume negotiations, a subsequent referendum will be held at the conclusion of those talks to decide on actual membership. Recent polls indicate a divided public, making the outcome of the August 29 vote uncertain. The core of the opposition's argument often revolves around a lack of trust that other nations within the EU would adequately protect Iceland's specific interests.

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From then on, much has happened, today it is not our only postulate, but one of the most important points of our program is to hold a referendum on resuming negotiations and, ultimately, Iceland's accession to the EU.