A few weeks ago, the voters in Iceland rejected a referendum to join the European Union. Iceland remains a NATO ally, but not an EU member, this dynamic becomes more important when considering the Arctic defense strategy of President Trump and Secretary Rubio.
From the State Dept: Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Reykjavík, Iceland; Athens, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal from October 5-8, 2026.
Secretary Rubio will meet with Icelandic officials in Reykjavík to discuss economic and security collaboration. In Greece, Secretary Rubio will lead the United States delegation for the Sixth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, deepening our partnership on key Administration priorities, including defense cooperation and regional and energy security. Secretary Rubio will then travel to Lisbon to meet with Portuguese officials to advance defense, economic, and technology cooperation. (read more)
Rubio delivered remarks just before departure. RAF Fairford, Russian Plague, Brazil Election, Saudi and Houthis, and more. WATCH:
I would also emphasize a little-known aspect to the Portuguese relationship. Portugal has one of the most effective intelligence operations in the world, in part due to their diplomatic corps who have groomed very strong relationships with allies and not-s0-friendly nations. Portugal maintains a very well-run, albeit very quiet intelligence system.
The “chicken little” press are in way over their heads in trying to stir up trouble with the Trump administration.
Big credit to the People of Iceland for rejecting to join the EU.
It tells us they are very smart and well informed people.
Why would sane people in any country want to turn their country into France?
Globalism is just an updated vernacular for communism.
i think many of us are misreading the reasons why it was rejected (by an extremely close margin, no less).
interesting to know about the portuguese. being nice and non-threatening is surely helpful in loosening lips.
He gets to have a chat with Kimberly.