Denmark votes 'yes' to join EU defence policy after historic decision

Denmark votes 'yes' to join EU defence policy after historic decision
June 2, 2022, 8:57 am

Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party speaks to members of her party in the parliament in Copenhagen, Denmark, 1 June 2022. Danes voted yes in a referendum on the EU-defense opt-out that will determine if the country joins the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy leaving behind 30 years of defense reservation, as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. [EPA-EFE/MARTIN SYLVEST]

Nearly two-thirds of Danes voted Wednesday (June 1) in favor of joining the European Union's common defense policy. The results showed the latest shift among Nordic countries to deepen defence ties in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to Danish public broadcaster DR, the country's 30-year policy of opting out ended with an overwhelming majority, or nearly 67%, voting in favor of the move.

Denmark is the only EU member that is not part of the bloc’s defence and security policy. The voting referendum marks the first time a government has succeeded in abolishing one of several exemptions secured in a 1993 referendum on the Maastricht Treaty.

Denmark has decided to lift its opt-out on #EUdefence

In contact with @JeppeKofod on this historic decision, to congratulate the government and people of Denmark.

Yet another important & timely step towards a stronger EU with an even stronger Common Security and Defence Policy
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 1, 2022

The vote to abolish the opt-out is a win for those in favour of greater EU-cooperation, while those against have argued that the EU’s defence pact is strained by bureaucracy and that Denmark’s participation in EU military operations will be too costly.

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The EU welcomed the Danish people's preference for their country to be involved in the bloc's defense policy.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the move "a historic decision."

Borrell said on Twitter: "Yet another important & timely step towards a stronger EU with an even stronger Common Security and Defence Policy."

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