Reuters reporter discusses Iceland's election and potential EU impact

Foreign media, including Reuters, closely followed Iceland's election, with reporter Johan Ahlander present at polling stations.

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If Iceland goes into the European Union, it could push Norwegians to consider the option of joining as well.

Ahlander noted that Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir appeared pleased with the election process and discussion, seemingly surprised by the public's even stance. He observed significant interest from Reuters, stating that the election's outcome could have broad implications in an international context.

Ahlander suggested that a "Yes" vote in Iceland could encourage Norway to re-evaluate its relationship with the European Union, potentially making Iceland a "crown jewel" for the bloc. He pointed out that it has been a long time since a new country joined the EU, with Croatia being the last in 2013.

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Norway would be the crown jewel for the European Union.

The reporter also found Iceland's situation interesting given the United States' perceived distancing from Europe. He expressed surprise that some Icelanders were unwilling to even examine the details of a potential EU agreement. Ahlander spoke with individuals who participated in the "cod wars," with one stating that joining the EU would negate their past struggles. He observed that while international politics is interesting from a European perspective, for many Icelanders, independence and fisheries hold more importance than security and global politics.

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I must say that it surprises me, as an outsider, to hear that people do not even want to know what the agreement looks like.

Ahlander believes a "No" vote would be a significant setback for the European Union. He noted that while the elections are important to Brussels, a negative outcome would be a blow.

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One of them said that it would be terrible to join the European Union. Then everything he fought for would be for nothing.