The ruling coalition in Reykjavik has committed to holding a referendum on renewing negotiations for European Union membership before 2027, following the previous government's decision to freeze such talks in 2013. The urgency of this initiative has increased due to recent geopolitical shocks, particularly after Washington's imposition of tariffs on Iceland and President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland. This situation has made Iceland's potential application for EU membership more pressing than ever.

Insiders have revealed that the Icelandic parliament is expected to announce a voting date within the next few weeks, following a series of visits from EU politicians to Iceland and reciprocal visits from Icelandic officials to Brussels. Should the Icelandic people vote in favor of this initiative, the nation could potentially join the EU faster than any other candidate country, illustrating a shift in how discussions around EU expansion are conducted.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, emphasized that the discourse around enlargement is evolving, reflecting a new environment for membership talks. As Iceland contemplates this pivotal decision, the political landscape in Europe may witness significant changes that could redefine regional alliances and influence the future of the EU itself.