Iceland set to reject EU entry talks in tight referendum

Iceland is set to reject reopening membership talks with the European Union in Saturday’s referendum, with opponents narrowly ahead at 50.1% against 49.9% for supporters after most ballots were preliminarily counted, according to RUV. Official results are due Sunday afternoon local time, with votes from constituencies that tend to oppose still to be tallied. Campaigning has focused on sovereignty and control over Iceland’s outsized fisheries and agriculture. Iceland already has access to the EU single market via the European Economic Area agreement. A no vote would also test EU geopolitical credibility as the bloc tries to speed accession talks after a 13-year pause. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir argued EU entry would boost trade and lower costs, while the country’s high interest rate and recent inflation are central concerns in the debate.