Iceland has decided against resuming discussions on joining the European Union more than a decade after the process was suspended.

Public broadcaster RUV reported that 52.8 percent of 225031 voters turned down the government's proposal while 47.2 percent supported it. The difference amounted to roughly 12600 votes.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir's centre-left administration had pledged a referendum by 2027 but moved it up amid global tensions such as US President Donald Trump's remarks on Greenland.

Nevertheless in this island nation of nearly 400000 residents the conversation focused mainly on the fishing sector rather than security issues.

With around 270000 eligible voters RUV noted a turnout of 82.5 percent the highest recorded in any Icelandic election since 2009.

Already integrated into the EU single market and Schengen zone full membership would place Iceland in the customs union and eventually adopt the euro.

Iceland launched its EU application in 2009 following the 2008 financial crisis and the failure of its banking system.

The process had advanced significantly until a eurosceptic government took office in 2013 and paused the talks with fishing rights as the primary sticking point then and now.

Fish and marine industries make up almost 40 percent of exports and many No supporters feared losing some oversight of their valuable fishing areas under the EU common fisheries policy.

The referendum effort prompted discussion about Iceland's global position Kristrún noted after voting in the capital on Saturday.

"This is a great day we have waited years for the chance to hold this vote" Kristrún said adding that her government would carry on its duties no matter the result.

The ballot question asked whether Iceland should resume accession negotiations with the European Union.

A Yes outcome would not have settled membership but would have advanced an accession agreement requiring a further referendum for approval.

Likewise the No result leaves room for Iceland to reopen talks at a later date.

While economic matters shaped the campaigns security topics also surfaced.

Iceland is a founding NATO member yet maintains no armed forces and depends on partners for defence.

The country has supported Ukraine amid Russia's invasion and officials have expressed concern over heightened Russian naval activity near its shores.

Trump's comments on acquiring Greenland have further heightened worries.