Icelanders urged to vote 'yes' for options on EU deal

Jonas Hagan, chairman and co-founder of the organization Sjá, is urging Icelanders to vote 'yes' in an upcoming referendum, stating it is a vote for securing options.

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We are here on Saturday to vote on what is called in bad Icelandic 'to get an option' or choice.

Hagan explained that a 'yes' vote would allow Icelanders to negotiate with the European Union and understand the precise terms of any potential membership agreement. He believes that while the broad strokes of EU membership are known, the finer details are crucial for making an informed decision. "After the negotiations are concluded, we will know exactly what offer is available to us. We will know exactly where Europe stands, where the world stands, and we can then say yes or no with a very informed decision, which we cannot do today," Hagan said.

He contrasted this with a 'no' vote, which he described as resulting in no change. Hagan pointed to the current economic situation, with unsettled wage agreements, rising interest rates, and inflation, questioning what changes could be made without external influence. "What are we going to change? What are we going to do? Nothing. Yes, we can certainly do something, and that is why we need to be positive," he stated.

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The choice lies in Icelanders being able to sit down with the European Union and find out exactly what kind of agreement is available to Iceland.

Hagan also criticized what he termed "fear-mongering" in the campaign, citing billboards questioning if Iceland or its resources are for sale. Drawing from his experience living and founding companies in over 16 European countries, he asserted that he has never seen national sovereignty or independence disappear. "I have never experienced in any single country that sovereignty or independence has disappeared. I have never heard any of my colleagues complain about this," he said.

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After the negotiations are concluded, we will know exactly what offer is available to us. We will know exactly where Europe stands, where the world stands, and we can then say yes or no with a very informed decision, which we cannot do today.

He strongly encouraged voter turnout, emphasizing that the referendum is not about making a final decision on EU membership today, but about gaining the information needed for such a decision. "We are voting to be able to see. We are going to get information so we can make an informed decision," Hagan concluded, urging people to bring friends and family to the polls.

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No, however, nothing happens. And if we change nothing, nothing changes.