The Danes voted almost 67% on Wednesday 1is June, in favor of integration into the defense policy of the European Union (EU), according to the count of 97% of the ballots.
“Tonight, Denmark sent an important signal. To our allies in Europe and NATO, and to [président Vladimir] Cheese fries. We show that when Putin invades a free country and threatens stability in Europe, the rest of us come together”said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. “There was a Europe before February 24, before the Russian invasion and there is a Europe after”she added.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel welcomed the vote “historical” from Denmark. “I welcome the strong message of commitment to our common security sent by the Danish people”a tweeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, “convinced that Denmark and the EU will benefit from this decision”. “The people of Denmark have made a historic choice”, declared for his part the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
European defense is gaining momentum
Two weeks into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mme Frederiksen had announced an agreement with most of the parties in Parliament to submit the end of the Danish exception to a referendum, as well as significant military investments to cross the bar of 2% of GDP devoted to the defense budget desired by the NATO.
A traditionally Eurosceptic country, Denmark obtained a series of exceptions in 1993, called « opt outs » (“opt-out options”) on several European issues, particularly in the field of defence. The Scandinavian country – a founding member of NATO – was thus unable to participate in any EU military mission.
Formerly marginal, the defense policy of the Twenty-Seven has gained momentum in recent years, even if the idea of a European army is still a foil for many capitals.