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Iceland Eyes EU Membership by 2028 Amid Rising Tensions

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir is optimistic Iceland could join the European Union (EU) by 2028.
Fisheries and agriculture will be the main negotiation points.
The Icelandic government plans a referendum on August 29 to resume talks halted in 2013.
Rising costs and tensions, including threats from the United States regarding Greenland, renew interest in EU membership.
If negotiations proceed, a second referendum would be required for full membership.

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Story summary

Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir is optimistic Iceland could join the European Union (EU) by 2028.
Fisheries and agriculture will be the main negotiation points.
The Icelandic government plans a referendum on August 29 to resume talks halted in 2013.
Rising costs and tensions, including threats from the United States regarding Greenland, renew interest in EU membership.
If negotiations proceed, a second referendum would be required for full membership.