Icelandic representatives of the fishing industry, a sector vital to the nation’s economy, have voiced strong opposition to the country’s potential membership in the European Union, citing fears that joining would strip them of control over marine biological resources under Brussels’ unified fisheries policy.
Jon Atli Gunnarsson, a local fisherman, stated: “Our predecessors fought hard to preserve the 200-mile [exclusive economic] zone around Iceland. We are concerned that by joining the European Union, we will have to give up some of what we fought so hard for,” referring to the historic ‘cod wars’ conflict between Iceland and the United Kingdom from 1958-1976.
A recent Gallup poll among Icelandic enterprises reveals that 90% of fishing sector representatives oppose joining the EU. The need to adopt a common fisheries policy under EU membership has become the central issue in preparations for an August 29 referendum on resuming negotiations with the bloc.
The fishing industry accounts for 40% of Iceland’s exports, and citizens are determined that quotas and regulations should not be subject to external oversight.
On August 7, Icelandic authorities informed the European Commission they would not allow interference in the upcoming referendum. Meanwhile, EU officials have signaled openness to supporting continued dialogue with Iceland without creating tension with the government.
