US highlights Iceland’s role as NATO ally after referendum rejects renewed EU talks

The United States said it expects Iceland to remain a strong NATO ally after Icelandic voters rejected a return to European Union membership negotiations. About 53% voted against restarting talks with Brussels.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said President Donald Trump’s administration had taken note of the result. He said Washington respected the sovereign decision of the Icelandic people and trusted Iceland’s continued role as a valuable NATO ally and close partner of the United States and Europe.

Pigott also said the White House wanted to strengthen ties with Iceland in security, energy, innovation, and economic and cultural relations. He linked those efforts to a shared vision of peace and prosperity.

The referendum debate centered on national sovereignty, control of natural resources, particularly fishing, and the cost of living. It also unfolded amid uncertainty created by Trump’s threats to annex neighboring Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark.

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We respect the sovereign decision of the Icelandic people and express our confidence in Iceland’s continued trajectory as a strong and valuable NATO ally and close partner of the United States and Europe.