Iceland is going to join the European Union because it is difficult to escape from Trump.

Due to various threatening statements made by former US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, which is very close to Iceland, Iceland's attention is now focused on joining the European Union (EU). Although Iceland has long made sure to stay out of the EU to secure its independence and control over its lucrative fishing industry, there are signs that this stance is changing in the face of current global political circumstances.

Especially in the face of the risks faced by its neighboring state, an unprecedented level of serious discussion has emerged among nearly four hundred thousand Icelandic citizens regarding joining the European Union.

As stated by Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, this Greenland crisis has had a strong impact on the sensitivities of the country's people and has caused voters to focus intensely on foreign policy. For this reason, Iceland is preparing to hold a referendum in the upcoming summer season to decide whether to initiate preliminary discussions on membership with the European Union. Although the entire process of obtaining this membership could take several years, the mere initiation of such a debate within the country is considered a major political transformation.

Geopolitically located in a strategic region where world powers compete, the European Union is also very keen to connect a wealthy country like Iceland, with its gender equality and high standard of living, to itself. Iceland, the only NATO member country without its own army, has so far relied mainly on the United States and NATO for its defense. However, a statement by an American diplomat suggesting that Iceland could become the 52nd state of America has deeply disappointed its citizens, and this has become another reason for their attention to turn towards the mutual defense clause in the EU charter.

The main and most sensitive obstacle to be faced in discussions about joining the European Union is the fishing industry, which is the main lifeline of the Icelandic economy. Local fishermen fear that joining the EU will require them to agree to various compromises regarding fishing quotas, and they point to fishing crises and cutbacks faced by countries like Ireland after joining the EU as examples. Although some hope that the EU will be flexible regarding fishing limits, there is also strong opposition to allowing other countries to fish in their limited maritime zone, as this could destroy the local industry.

However, due to the current domestic economic instability, there is also a growing public interest in EU membership and the Euro currency. The constant fluctuation in the value of Iceland's Krona currency and the current high inflation rate of 5.2 percent have led to a rapid increase in the prices of essential food items and everyday consumer goods. Many believe that using a stable Euro currency would be more advantageous as a solution to this price increase caused by import taxes. As these discussions are not legally binding, there is also a prevailing opinion in society that it is advisable to wait and see what package the EU offers before making a final decision.