Icelandic voters narrowly rejected restarting negotiations to join the European Union, with 52.8% voting against the proposal and 47.2% supporting it.

Turnout was high at 82.5%, reflecting strong public interest in the divisive issue.

Supporters argued that closer ties with the EU could strengthen Iceland’s security and international position, while opponents warned about losing sovereignty and control over the country’s fishing industry.

The vote also exposed a strong urban-rural divide, with Reykjavik being the only area where a majority supported restarting negotiations, The Guardian has reported.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir said the government would respect the result, meaning Iceland’s EU accession talks will remain suspended for the foreseeable future.