Iceland's close ties with the EU mean no vote is not a Brexit-style rejection

A yes to membership would have given Brussels a boost but Icelanders have not voted to isolate themselves

Published 1 September 2026 68 words

Iceland had a vote about joining the EU. Most people voted no.

Some people thought this was like Brexit. But it is not the same.

Iceland is already close to the EU. It uses EU rules for trade and travel. Many people in Iceland like this relationship. They voted to keep it.

Iceland did not vote to be alone. They voted to stay connected to the EU.

vote — to choose something or someone in an election or decision

EU — a group of countries in Europe that work together

Brexit — when the UK left the EU

relationship — how people or countries are connected

connected — linked or joined together

Based on an article from The Guardian.