EU Accession Vote Watch: Iceland’s foreign minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir warns of a “Brexit moment” ahead of the 29 August referendum on restarting EU accession talks, citing a “torrent” of misinformation, foreign interference and AI-fuelled manipulation. Green Finance & Energy: Poland has secured a 160 million euro green transition programme funded by the Norwegian and EEA grants, with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway as long-term partners; priorities include geothermal development, energy storage, air quality, ecosystem protection and circular economy projects. Critical Minerals Push: A new EU-backed study says Europe’s “urban mine” could recover 4.1–5.7 million tonnes of critical raw materials annually by 2050, potentially meeting up to 56% of demand through recycling. Local Economy & Policy: Nearly 42,000 Icelanders signed a petition against the new kilometer tax, handing it to the finance minister and arguing the system’s measurements and penalties are flawed. Business Moves: Advania has acquired Icelandic automation firm Evolv Robotics, aiming to scale AI-powered business automation. Tourism & Transport: Icelandair launched direct Reykjavik–Venice flights (three weekly services through 18 October). City Politics: Reykjavík parties agreed a new majority coalition, with Hildur Björnsdóttir set to become mayor. Health Alert: WHO says a hantavirus outbreak linked to a Dutch-flagged cruise ship has reached 13 cases, with the situation stable.