Iceland's 'No' vote deals blow to EU, emboldens eurosceptics

Iceland has voted against resuming European Union membership negotiations, according to final referendum results reported on Sunday. The outcome was described by The Local Italy as "no doubt a big blow to Brussels and a boon for eurosceptics" across Europe.

The European Union had been keen to welcome a new wealthy member, and the result was framed as "a warning to Europe" in some coverage. For the Italian government, which has positioned itself as a pragmatic but firm EU partner, the vote offers a moment to gauge the mood of a continent where enlargement has lost its former appeal.

The result also has a domestic dimension. Italian eurosceptic parties have long pointed to popular resistance to EU integration elsewhere as evidence that the project is out of step with voters. The Icelandic vote gives them fresh material, even as the government in Rome continues to negotiate EU funds and reforms.