Dorothy

If voters reject the proposal, that’s it, for a generation at least. A yes vote would trigger the start of a negotiating process with the EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, that will involve discussions on 35 areas, from the economy to human rights. Perhaps, most importantly for Iceland, its fishing stocks in the rich North Atlantic waters will be up for discussion, and not everyone is happy about that. But some also believe the European Union could offer protections if Trump were to ever make similar threats on Iceland.

Experts expect a close vote. More than 20% of voters cast early ballots in advance of election day, Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV said.

However, there has also been concern at US President Donald Trump's expressed interest in taking over Greenland, and the fact that he has confused it with Iceland has caused alarm.

Joining the 27-nation EU would require Iceland joining the bloc’s common fisheries policy that would allow Spanish, Dutch and other trawlers into their waters. The government has indicated it would look for a special arrangement, potentially a full opt-out from the policy.

Backers of EU membership say it’s best for Iceland to get closer to its European neighbors to combat issues that don’t respect borders, such as climate change. They also say the euro would bring more stability than Iceland’s volatile króna currency.