Helsinki, Jan 10 (NationPress) A fresh poll reveals that 58 percent of the population in Iceland supports conducting a referendum on whether the nation should restart discussions aimed at rejoining the European Union (EU).
The survey, carried out by the Icelandic opinion research organization Prosent, also showed that 53 percent of participants are in favor of replacing Iceland's current currency, the krona, with an alternative currency, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency citing Icelandic broadcaster RUV.
This proposal for a referendum is included in the agenda of Iceland's recently formed left-leaning coalition government, which assumed office in December 2024 and aims to hold the vote by 2027 at the latest.
Although the idea of reopening EU membership discussions is gaining momentum, there is not yet a majority in favor of joining the EU. The poll indicates that 45 percent of respondents support EU membership, while 35 percent oppose it, and 20 percent remain undecided.
Nonetheless, the survey highlights an increasing interest in discussing the topic. A majority, 58 percent, advocate for holding a referendum to reevaluate EU membership talks, while 27 percent are against the idea, and 15 percent are undecided.
Iceland first applied for EU membership in 2009, but negotiations were halted in 2013 and have not resumed since. The debate over whether to revisit these discussions has been a persistent issue in Icelandic politics.
Alongside the EU discussions, Iceland's new government has declared intentions to investigate the future of the krona. Independent foreign experts will be tasked with evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of retaining the national currency and exploring potential alternatives.
The Prosent poll indicates that 53 percent of Icelanders are in favor of adopting a new currency, while 27 percent oppose it, and 20 percent are undecided. Notably, support for a new currency aligns closely with pro-EU sentiments, as 86 percent of those who favor EU membership also support replacing the krona, according to the survey outcomes.
The Prosent survey was conducted between December 17 and December 31, 2024, with a sample size of 5,000 and a response rate of 50 percent.
