The EU referendum in Iceland

One question decided Iceland's referendum: Fishing

Issues of economy and national identity were on the agenda, but when Iceland voted no to talks on EU membership, it was another question that decided, writes Politico.

- For the no camp, it was ultimately about one thing: the Icelandic fishing industry, says Hallgrímur Oddsson, founder of the think tank Evrópustraumar.

The yes side argued that as an EEA member, Iceland already has to obey laws they did not create themselves, and that the euro could bring down the high cost of living. The EU tried to appease the no side with promises of compromises on fishing.

In the end, this did not affect the no side's skepticism about the country being allowed to retain control over the important fishing industry as an EU member. The dividing line between urban and rural areas was glaringly clear – only in the capital Reykjavik did a majority vote in favour of EU talks.

EU: Has full respect for Iceland's democratic elections

The EU fully respects Iceland's democratic elections. That is the message from European Council President António Costa to Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, according to AFP.

"Iceland remains one of the EU's closest and most reliable partners," says Costa's spokesperson, adding that "both leaders expressed their desire to strengthen the EU-Iceland relationship".

Yesterday, Iceland held a referendum on new talks on EU membership. The no side received 53 percent and the yes side 47.