Iceland has voted against the government’s proposal to restart membership negotiations with the European Union, with 52.8% voting “no” and 47.2% voting “yes” in a referendum.

Axar.az reports, citing Politico, that the “yes” vote was stronger in Reykjavík, while more rural areas backed rejecting the proposal by wider margins.

Turnout was high, exceeding 80% in some rural areas.

Iceland began EU accession talks in 2009, but negotiations were suspended and later abandoned in 2015, partly over disputes concerning fishing quotas.

Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir had supported restarting the talks, arguing that EU membership could provide greater economic stability. Opponents said Iceland should retain control over its fisheries and remain outside the bloc while maintaining ties with Europe.