Denmark is the only member of the 27-nation bloc that is not part of its common security and defense policy. The Scandinavian nation of almost 6 million got exemptions from this policy in a 1993 referendum on the Maastricht Treaty, which laid the groundwork for the modern EU.
If the Danes, notoriously critical of the EU, vote to abolish the opt-out, as polls suggest, it would mark another major symbolic change in the defense policy of European states after Russia launched the invasion in February. After decades of resistance, Finland and Sweden finally applied to join NATO in May, each citing the war in Ukraine as a motivating factor.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia was an important factor that led the government to call a referendum and that the vote was an important decision based on values and a way of show support for a stronger EU. The government has spent several weeks campaigning for the “yes”.
Denmark is a founding member of NATO, but participation in the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy would allow Denmark to participate in joint EU military operations, such as those in Somalia, Mali and Bosnia.
“NATO will continue to be our most important tool, but the EU offers us another tool to secure our defense in the east,” said Mogens Jensen, a spokesman for the ruling Social Democrats.
While the EU will benefit from Denmark’s extensive experience in military operations as part of NATO and other alliances, a favorable vote would be seen primarily as a symbolic victory in Brussels, according to Kristian Soby Kristensen, a senior researcher at the EU. Copenhagen University Army Center. Studies.
“Political importance will outweigh the military contribution,” Kristensen told Reuters.
A large majority in parliament recommends abolishing the opt-out. Wednesday’s vote will be the third attempt by Danish lawmakers to lift one of the 1993 exemptions following the euro and 2000 votes on justice and home affairs, both of which failed.
Preliminary polls have shown a strong advantage for voters in favor of abolishing the opt-out, with about 48% in favor and 31% against.
Opponents have argued that EU defense co-operation is strained by bureaucracy and inefficient decision-making, while fearing the possibility of having to contribute to a potential EU supranational army.
The EU has no plans to establish a supranational army within the bloc, but has decided to form a rapid deployment force of up to 5,000 troops.
Polling stations close at 8 pm local time. The result is expected in the late evening.