Iceland Sees EU Support Rise as Government Promises Referendum
(Bloomberg) -- Support for joining the European Union is increasing in Iceland after the nation’s new government said it plans to hold a referendum on re-engaging in membership talks.
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A poll, published on Thursday by research company Prosent, found 45% backing for joining the trade bloc, with 35% against and the rest undecided. When asked about holding a plebiscite, 58% were in favor.
Most polls over the past few years have put support for entry into the EU at around or just over 40%, though some have shown readings close to 50%.
Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009 under the leadership of the Social Democrats, but entry talks were put on hold in 2015 after a change of government. Now that the Social Democrats are again in power, ruling with two junior partners, the government has promised a referendum by 2027.
The cabinet of Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said last month it plans to prepare a report on the advantages and disadvantages of using the Icelandic krona. The poll showed 53% want to get rid of their weak currency as it is often linked to high inflation and interest rates on the island.
The poll had 2,500 responses collected from Dec. 17-31.
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