Staying with the stinking fish: Why doesn't Iceland want to join the European Union?

A briefing on the reasons Iceland refuses to join the European Union, despite high living costs, high interest rates, and a housing crisis. In the last referendum, 52.5% of voters rejected resuming accession talks. At the center of the debate is the fishing industry, a symbol of Icelandic sovereignty. The podcast "To the Edge" with Keren Neubach examines the Nordic model and the pros and cons of the union.

Iceland, a small country with fewer than half a million residents, continues to reject the possibility of joining the European Union, despite economic challenges such as high living costs, high interest rates, and a housing crisis. In the last referendum, 52.5% of voters opposed resuming talks on accession. At the center of the opposition is the fishing industry, which is not only a major economic sector but also a symbol of Icelandic sovereignty. The podcast "To the Edge" with Keren Neubach travels to the northern island to examine the Nordic model, the arguments for and against the union, and the deep connection Icelanders have with their fish.