Iceland's EU referendum: farmers fear for livelihoods as polls show razor-thin margin

Icelanders are voting on whether to restart EU accession talks, with recent Gallup polling showing the no side narrowly ahead at 51.6%. Farmers like Davíð Clausen Pétursson worry that EU membership could erode recent gains in the sector, while the debate also touches on defense and national identity amid US pressure on Greenland. The referendum only authorizes negotiations, not actual membership, making the outcome less decisive for the yes camp.

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The referendum's razor-thin margin reflects deep societal divisions, with Thursday's Gallup poll showing 51.6% opposed to restarting EU talks. A yes vote would only authorize negotiations, not membership, meaning any eventual deal would trigger a second national vote. The ballot was accelerated following US pressure on Greenland, intertw