EU Referendum Watch: Iceland will vote on 29 August on whether to restart EU membership talks, with the “no” campaign warning it would be a “worst business idea” and a “huge step away from democracy,” while the finance minister argues EU membership could boost growth and ease trade pressures. Whaling & Protests: Iceland’s whaling resumes after a two-year pause, with two vessels heading out as protesters stage actions and campaigners say the hunt is not humane and was previously halted partly due to weak profitability. Hotel Industry: Hilton Reykjavik Nordica says it will exit the Hilton system on 1 September 2026, raising questions for guests about points and bookings as the affiliation status appears disputed. City Infrastructure: Reykjavík City delays full relining of Vesturbæjarlaug’s outdoor pool, opting for localised repairs after safety assessments found systemic lining defects. Retail Competition: Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Iceland urge regulators to change an Aldi/Lidl expansion loophole, ahead of CMA provisional decisions. Tech & Jobs: Rapyd Europe layoffs in Iceland are linked by the company to AI and automation, but details remain unclear. Event Logistics: Bergmál festival at Þingvellir brings road closures and a large police presence for expected crowds. Energy/Finance: Bitcoin miners increasingly treat power as a managed resource, curtailing load and monetising flexibility as margins tighten.