Iceland's government has formally requested that the Althing, the country's parliament, approve a referendum to decide whether the nation should resume its application for EU membership. The proposal, adopted during a government conference, suggests that if the Althing approves, the referendum could take place as early as August 29, with the requirement to hold the vote no sooner than three months and no later than twelve months from the parliament's decision. The citizens will not be voting on EU membership itself at this stage but on the resumption of the application process.

The initial application for EU membership was submitted in 2009, but it was set aside after a conservative government took power following elections in 2013. There was no referendum before the application was submitted back in 2009, and the current government aims to involve the public in this significant decision-making process. According to Icelandic media, if approved, a subsequent referendum will be organized once the terms of membership negotiation are established, providing another opportunity for the public to weigh in on EU membership.

This move reflects a renewed interest in EU integration and suggests a shift in Icelandic political sentiment toward the EU, which has been a contentious issue in the country for years. The decision will affect Iceland's future political landscape and its relationship with the EU, particularly as the country grapples with economic dependencies and the repercussions of past decisions regarding EU membership bids.