Today marks the eighth time Denmark has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with its last tenure being in 2012. Operating under the motto “A Strong Europe in a Changing World,” the Danish Presidency has unveiled a program centered on bolstering the EU’s security while simultaneously enhancing its competitiveness.
The Presidency highlighted that the green transition is integral to building a more secure and competitive Europe. “With this in mind, Denmark is launching a program for its EU Presidency which positions a secure Europe and a competitive and green Europe favorably,” the Presidency stated.
Priorities Amidst a Shifting Global Order
In outlining its priorities, the Danish Presidency underscored that the EU is navigating a new international order defined by uncertainty, strategic and economic global competition, and escalating conflicts.
“This is why the EU must be able to act in its own right. The EU’s strength lies, among other things, in European unity, a strong economic foundation, stable democracies, and socially balanced societies.”
Commitment to EU Enlargement
A key pledge from the Danish Presidency is its commitment to further EU enlargement, emphasizing it as a geopolitical necessity. Denmark has vowed to advance enlargement negotiations with the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine and Moldova.
“This is the only way for the EU to effectively contribute to stabilizing the European continent and strengthening the resilience of countries vulnerable to undesirable external influence,” the Danish Presidency affirmed. “Therefore, the Danish Presidency will work ambitiously to promote a merit-based enlargement of the Union and to prepare the EU for enlargement through internal reforms. In this regard, the Danish Presidency will move forward with enlargement negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.”
The Presidency also stressed that “enlargement is closely linked to efforts to uphold the EU’s fundamental values, democracy, and the rule of law.” Strengthening the EU’s resilience to future crises and enhancing its competitiveness through a “simplification agenda” and improved legislation will also be central focuses. Furthermore, Denmark aims to deepen the EU’s relationships with the United Kingdom and other non-EU Western European countries.
