Brussels had hoped it could attract wealthier nations into its orbit by positioning itself as a pillar of defence and security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Icelandic voters proved it wrong.

After the Icelandic government announced a referendum on whether to resume negotiations for joining the bloc, EU officials hailed the move as a sign the Union was shifting from being seen purely as a market to a fully fledged political actor.

As a result, security considerations were expected to override the historic reluctance of wealthier Nordic nations to join the Union.

“In a world where we face pressures from East and West, where…

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