Trump's Greenland threats cast a shadow on Iceland's vote on whether to trigger EU membership talks

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Voters in Iceland are heading to the polls Saturday to decide whether the country should resume long-stalled negotiations on becoming a member of the European Union, and they are doing so in the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to control nearby Greenland.

The yes-or-no referendum question is simple enough for the 265,000 or so eligible voters: Should Iceland resume accession negotiations with the European Union?

If voters reject the proposal, that's it, for a generation at least.

A yes vote would trigger the start of a negotiating process with the EU's executive branch, the European Commission, that will involve discussions on 35 areas, from the economy to human rights. Perhaps, most importantly for Iceland, its fishing stocks in the rich North Atlantic waters will be up for discussion, and not everyone is happy about that. But some also believe the European Union could offer protections if Trump were to ever make similar threats on Iceland.

When Trump talked about U.S. control of Greenland, particularly at the start of this year, he altered the mood in Iceland, which is just 180 miles (290 km) away from the self-governing territory of Denmark, a longtime U.S. ally.

Though Trump has indicated he won't use force to seize Greenland, his interest doesn't appear to have cooled.

The underlying worry among many in Iceland is clear — if Greenland is seized, is Iceland next?

The ensuing question is clear too — if yes, does EU membership provide a bulwark against any new Trump ambition in the North Atlantic?

Iceland’s left-leaning coalition government, elected in 2024, certainly thinks so and that's largely why it moved forward the EU referendum that it had planned for next year.

“We can’t really trust the U.S. anymore,” said Hildur Knútsdóttir, a horror fiction writer who plans to vote in favor of EU membership.

EU talk is nothing new in Iceland, which formally ended its previous effort to join the bloc in 2015, largely over concerns of what membership would mean for its rich fish resources.

The hefty cod and haddock catches from the chilled Arctic waters around Iceland are central to the national identity too. The descendants of Vikings who settled Iceland have been living off the sea for centuries.

With much of the country's economy geared toward its lucrative and well-managed fishing industry, fishing rights have been a talking point in the run-up to the referendum.

Joining the 27-nation EU would require Iceland joining the bloc's common fisheries policy that would allow Spanish, Dutch and other trawlers into their waters. The government has indicated it would look for a special arrangement, potentially a full opt-out from the policy.

In the final days ahead of the vote, Iceland’s prime minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, has sought to remind voters that the referendum is not the end of the matter, and that there will be another referendum if and when a membership agreement with the EU has been reached.

“This is not an election about membership and not about adaptation, as there will be another referendum on an accession agreement if the result is yes,” Frostadóttir told a rally.

For many, Iceland's national identity and ultimately its culture is on the ballot too.

Iceland, which gained independence from Denmark in 1944, has a proud history of independence, of not allowing itself to be pushed around by bigger and richer European nations. It even fought — and won — the so-called Cod Wars with Britain in the 1970s over its fishing grounds.

Backers of EU membership say it’s best for Iceland to get closer to its European neighbors to combat issues that don't respect borders, such as climate change.

Iceland is already in the EU’s frictionless single market and the Schengen free-travel zone.

Opponents say the current setup is just right and that Iceland already enjoys all the benefits of European integration without the sovereignty compromises that inevitably will come from being a full member.

“I think Iceland is better off outside of the EU, within the close collaboration with the EU,” former prime minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, told The Associated Press.

Pylas contributed from London.

Former Icelandic Prime Minister and former Left-Green Movement leader Katrín Jakobsdóttir reacts at an "Afram Island," "Forward, Iceland" rally opposing the resumption of European Union accession talks at Austurvollur in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

People hold a banner reading "No" as they listen to speakers at an "Afram Island," "Forward, Iceland," rally opposing the resumption of European Union accession talks at Austurvollur in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir speaks at a public event about a referendum on whether to resume accession negotiations with the European Union in Reykjavik, Iceland, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdottir, center, sits among the participants at a public event about a referendum on whether to resume accession negotiations with the European Union in Reykjavik, Iceland, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

People gather for an "Afram Island," "Forward, Iceland," rally opposing the resumption of European Union accession talks at Austurvollur in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Veteran Josh Johnson threw for 156 yards in the first half, Evan McPherson kicked a 56-yarder for one of his three field goals and the Cincinnati Bengals capped a perfect preseason with a 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night.

Ke’Shawn Williams had a touchdown catch for the Bengals (3-0).

“A lot of the things we've been preaching have really showed up over the last three preseason games,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “I thought our team really came together.”

Andy Dalton completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles (0-3).

Neither team played its starters in the final tuneup for the regular season, but there were some roster spots up for grabs.

Tanner McKee struggled in the competition with Dalton to back up Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts. McKee completed 12 of 22 passes for 55 yards with an interception in five ineffective first-half series. Dalton took the snaps after halftime and looked better.

“Wish we would've executed at times better and specifically me,” McKee said.

Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni said afterward he was pleased with both quarterbacks throughout the preseason.

“I feel good about both guys,” he said.

Also struggling for Philadelphia was rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon. The wide receiver was targeted five times by McKee, making three catches for 3 yards. McKee’s interception came on a drop by Lemon, who is an important piece for the Eagles with the departure of disgruntled star A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. Lemon has missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury and returned to practice this week.

While the Eagles' offense was sputtering in the opening half, the Bengals looked sharp. Johnson, who is behind starter Joe Burrow and backup Joe Flacco on the depth chart, connected with Dohnte Meyers for three first downs on the opening drive, including a 25-yard completion.

“(Meyers) ran great routes like he's been doing all camp,” Johnson said. “Great protection. My job was to stand and deliver. That's all I was focused on, getting these guys the ball and letting them make opportunities and they've been doing a great job.”

Meyers, an undrafted free agent out of Division II Delta State who played the last two seasons in the Canadian Football League, continued his strong preseason. After making three catches for 51 yards on the opening drive, his night was done. He entered with a team-best 191 all-purpose yards in the preseason.

“He's trying to take advantage of the opportunity. He's done a great job of that,” Taylor said.

The kicking game was strong for both teams.

McPherson converted all three attempts in the first half, and the Eagles' Jake Elliott made both of his tries, including a 56-yarder at the end of the first half.

After Williams’ 11-yard reception from Sean Clifford put the Bengals up 16-6 early in the second half, Dalton led a 14-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Carson Steele.

“Felt really comfortable out there,” Dalton said.

Kentrel Bullock then scored on a 6-yard scamper for the Bengals with 5:59 remaining, and Jamal Haynes had a 39-yard TD run with 4:31 to play.

Bengals: TE Jack Endries went to the locker room early in the third quarter after falling awkwardly and appearing to injure his leg.

Eagles: S Andre' Sam was carted off the field late in the third quarter with an apparent left leg injury. ... CB Isaiah Bolden limped off the field in the fourth quarter.

Bengals: Host Tampa Bay in their season opener on Sept. 13.

Eagles: Begin the season by hosting Washington on Sept. 13.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Cincinnati Bengals' Kendall Milton runs the ball during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Tacario Davis intercepts a pass thrown by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee intended for Eagles' Makai Lemon during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Carson Steele (34) is stopped by Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Tacario Davis (20) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles' Erik Ezukanma tries to get past Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Bralyn Lux (21) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)