A slim majority of Icelanders didn’t see the benefit of being able to decide their own laws. That’s a troubling sign for the health of European democracy.
Iceland would not gain much influence due to its tiny population, and it does have more independence in the EEA rather than the EU. It is obvious why Montenegro or Albania would want to join the EU. The same does not apply to its wealthier neighbors.
But studies have shown that Iceland would actually pay less net as an EU member than as an EEA member. So what exactly is the 'wealthy country' block here? In the end, perhaps this isn't so much about actual GDP than it is about a sense of superiority? https://islandogevropa.is/en/cards/what-would-eu-membership-cost
Iceland would not gain much influence due to its tiny population, and it does have more independence in the EEA rather than the EU. It is obvious why Montenegro or Albania would want to join the EU. The same does not apply to its wealthier neighbors.
But studies have shown that Iceland would actually pay less net as an EU member than as an EEA member. So what exactly is the 'wealthy country' block here? In the end, perhaps this isn't so much about actual GDP than it is about a sense of superiority? https://islandogevropa.is/en/cards/what-would-eu-membership-cost