About 60% of spokesmen for Icelandic businesses believe the country’s interests are best served staying outside of the European Union, according to the results of a new poll from Capacent. One year previous, most were in favor.
Today, only 31% of those polled believe Iceland’s economic situation would improve by joining the European Union. At the same time, 51% of those polled believe Iceland would be better of with a different currency, while 37% want to keep the crown.
Additionally, of those who support joining the EU, 90% also believe Iceland would be better off with a different currency, whereas 69% of those who do not want Iceland to join the EU also want to hold onto the crown.
The Iceland Chamber of Commerce, who commissioned the poll, told reporters that they believe the poll’s results reflects uncertainty with regards to the government’s position on financial and European Union matters, and that doubts people have need to be assuaged.
Iceland applied for EU membership last summer. If accepted, the matter would then be taken to public referendum.