Voters in Iceland have rejected a national referendum proposal to restart formal negotiations on joining the European Union.

Final election results show 52.8% of voters cast ballots against resuming accession talks, while 47.1% voted in favor of reopening discussions with Brussels. Turnout for the vote reached over 82%.

The vote leaves Iceland’s EU membership bid frozen. The Atlantic island nation originally applied for EU membership in 2009, but formal negotiations were suspended in 2013 following concerns over national sovereignty and fishing rights in North Atlantic waters.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir’s coalition government had backed the referendum in an effort to explore what terms an eventual accession deal might offer. Proponents argued that full membership could bring currency stability and strengthen economic ties, while opponents expressed deep concern that the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy could compromise Iceland’s vital domestic fishing industry.

Following the result, government officials confirmed they will honor the public’s decision and keep negotiations shelved. Iceland remains a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area, allowing it to maintain close trade and travel integration with the bloc without full political membership.