Icelandic voters have rejected a proposal to restart negotiations on EU membership, 13 years after previous talks were suspended, the BBC reported.

According to Iceland’s public broadcaster RUV, 52.8% voted against reopening negotiations, compared with 47.2% in favor. More than 225,000 people cast ballots, with turnout reaching 82.5%, the highest recorded in an Icelandic election since 2009.

The referendum was brought forward by prime minister Kristrun Frostadottir’s center-left government amid growing international tensions. The campaign focused heavily on Iceland’s fishing industry, which remains central to the country’s economy and national identity.

Opponents argued that EU membership could reduce Iceland’s control over its rich fishing grounds, as EU rules regulate fishing quotas among member states. The sector contributes almost 40% of Iceland’s exports.

Iceland originally applied to join the EU in 2009 following its banking crisis, but negotiations were halted after a Eurosceptic government took office in 2013.

Following the result, Frostadottir said the issue would not be reconsidered while her government remains in power.

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