Denmark will join the EU’s defense policy in the latest shake-up of Europe’s security architecture following Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
In the largest vote for the EU in the traditionally Eurosceptic Scandinavian country, 67 per cent of Danes voted in favor of ending the refusal of a historic referendum.
This is the first time in three attempts that Denmark has voted to end one of its hard-won denials since rejecting the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, and comes two weeks after Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO.
“Tonight, Denmark has sent a very important signal – to our allies in Europe and to [Russian president Vladimir] Putin. We are showing that when Putin invades a free country and threatens the stability of Europe, the rest of us are getting closer, “said Prime Minister Mete Frederiksen on Wednesday night.
Analysts said the Danish referendum and the decisions of Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership should strengthen the Northern 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, former Danish prime minister and NATO secretary general.
The center-left Danish government says the Scandinavian country must be at the heart of Europe, especially after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine.
Copenhagen still sees NATO as a key instrument for defense and security, 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 held two referendums to remove its other two denials – for the euro in 2000 and justice and home affairs in 2015 – but voted against in both cases.
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Copenhagen is increasing its military budget and is opening up to allow foreign troops to train and exercise on its territory for the first time since the 1950s as part of a major change in Europe’s defense policy.
“The people of Denmark have made a historic choice. The world has changed since Russia invaded Ukraine. This decision will benefit Europe and will make the EU and the Danish people safer and stronger, “said Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
All the other 26 EU members are involved in the bloc’s defense policy, which some politicians, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, have tried to increase.
Opponents of ending the refusal say Denmark should rely solely on NATO. The vote against is a crushing defeat for the nationalist Danish People’s Party, whose support has waned since the current Social Democratic government began copying its harsh immigration policy.
“The Danes are choosing to work together in this incredibly complex situation. I am so happy about that, “said Health Minister Magnus Hoynike.
Many saw Denmark as a possible candidate to follow the UK into the EU, but even the Danish People’s Party withdrew from Dexit as the government turned from London to Berlin with a number of policies.
Like Friis, director of the Europe Brain Trust and former center-right minister, said: “The most important message is that since 2016, we have seen a big change in support for EU membership. What we see now is also having a big effect on Ukraine. “
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