Denmark will join EU defense policy in the latest reform of European security architecture following Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine.
In the largest pro-EU vote ever held in the traditionally Eurosceptic Scandinavian country, 67% of Danes voted in favor of ending exclusion in a landmark referendum.
It is the first time in three attempts that Denmark has voted to end one of its hard-won exemptions after rejecting the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, and comes two weeks after Finland and Sweden applied to join. in NATO.
“Tonight, Denmark has sent a very important signal: to our allies in Europe and beyond [Russian president Vladimir] To put. We show that when Putin invades a free country and threatens the stability of Europe, the others come closer, “Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Wednesday evening.
Analysts said that the Danish referendum and the Finnish and Swedish decisions to apply for NATO membership should lead to a strengthening of the Nordic region and its influence in Europe.
“This is a powerful signal that Denmark is united with Ukraine and our allies in the fight for freedom and democracy,” said Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Danish Prime Minister and Secretary-General of NATO.
The center-left government of Denmark argued that the Scandinavian country should be in the heart of Europe, especially after the total invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Copenhagen still considers NATO as its main defense and security tool, but is currently excluded from discussions on EU policy in this area and cannot participate in the bloc’s missions, mainly in Africa and the Balkans.
Denmark has held two referendums on the elimination of its other two exemptions – on the euro in 2000 and justice and home affairs in 2015 – but in both cases it voted against.
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Copenhagen is increasing its military budget and is open to allowing foreign troops to train and exercise on its soil for the first time since the 1950s as part of a major shift in defense policy in Europe. .
“The people of Denmark have made a historic choice. The world has changed since Russia invaded Ukraine. This decision will benefit Europe and make both the EU and the Danish people safer and stronger,” said Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
All 26 other EU members are involved in the bloc’s defense policy, which some politicians, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, have tried to increase in importance.
Opponents of ending the exclusion argued that Denmark should rely solely on NATO. It is not an overwhelming defeat for the Danish People’s Nationalist Party, whose support has waned since the current Social Democratic government began copying its harsh immigration policies.
“The Danes are choosing cooperation in this incredibly complicated situation we are in. I am very happy about that,” said Health Minister Magnus Heunicke.
Many had seen Denmark as a possible candidate to keep the UK out of the EU, but even the Danish People’s Party has backtracked on Dexit, while the government has moved from London to Berlin with a number of policies.
Lykke Friis, director of the Europe think tank and former center-right minister, said: “The most important message is that since 2016 we have seen a very important change in support for EU membership. What we are seeing now is also it is an important effect of Ukraine “.