Ankara: Initial results from Iceland's referendum indicate a narrow majority of voters support restarting European Union membership negotiations, as reported by public broadcaster RUV. The preliminary tally shows 46,589 votes, or 50.5%, favor resuming accession talks, while 45,682 votes, or 49.5%, are against the proposal.

According to Anadolu Agency, support for reopening negotiations is strongest in the Reykjavik North constituency, where 59.4% of voters back the proposal. Conversely, opposition peaks in the Southern constituency, with 60.1% against it. In the Southwest constituency, which represents approximately 30% of Iceland's electorate, opinions are evenly split.

The referendum campaign primarily focused on issues such as cost of living, security, sovereignty, and control over the nation's fisheries. Voting took place from 9 am to 10 pm local time on Saturday, with nearly 400,000 Icelanders eligible to cast their votes.

It is important to note that the referendum outcome does not directly determine Iceland's EU membership. A majority "Yes" vote would empower the government to recommence accession talks. Any eventual agreement on membership would require approval through a second referendum.

Iceland initially applied for EU membership in 2009 following the collapse of its banking system during the global financial crisis. Accession negotiations started in 2010 but were halted three years later after a Eurosceptic government came to power. In 2015, Reykjavik informed Brussels of its decision to withdraw from being considered an EU candidate.

The European Commission, however, maintains that Iceland's application for EU membership remains legally valid and that negotiations are merely on hold, according to a report by the European Policy Centre (EPC).