Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, a former foreign minister of Iceland, has expressed that the discussion regarding Iceland's relationship with Europe should not be framed as a binary choice of yes or no, particularly in the context of potential EU membership talks. She is worried that the public debate is becoming stagnant, especially with a referendum on initiating talks about EU accession anticipated in the coming year.

There is a stance within the current Icelandic government which suggests that a national referendum could be set for as early as next year, deciding whether to resume negotiations for EU membership. Recent reports indicated that this vote might take place as soon as August, though the current foreign minister has not confirmed this timeline, leaving uncertainty in the public sphere regarding the progression of this significant decision.

Gylfadóttir's comments highlight a critical concern about the public discourse surrounding EU matters, indicating that the conversation must evolve beyond simplistic divisions and engage in a more nuanced discussion about the potential for cooperation between Iceland and Europe, regardless of formal EU membership. This perspective advocates for deepening ties with European nations, emphasizing collaborative efforts rather than a strict adherence to binary choices in international relations.