The Danes voted by a large majority on Wednesday to participate in the EU’s common defense policy. After counting 97 percent of all votes cast, nearly 67 percent voted in a referendum to end Denmark’s special path.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen spoke of a “very important signal” to allies in Europe and NATO, as well as to Russian President Vladimir Putin. An overwhelming majority of Danes voted to abolish the reserve. “We show that when Putin invades a free and independent country and threatens the stability of Europe, we get closer to the others,” Frederiksen said.
This means Denmark can now participate in European defense and security cooperation, the Social Democrat told party friends in Copenhagen. Due to the special arrangement, which is unique in the EU, the country has so far been able to participate in, for example, civilian but not in EU military missions or in the joint development of weapons systems.
Eleven of the 14 parties – including Prime Minister Frederiksen’s ruling Social Democrats – had voted in favor of lifting the reservation in the run-up to the referendum. It is the first time that Denmark has voted in a referendum to abolish such a special EU regulation. In 2000, the country voted against the euro and in 2015 against EU judicial cooperation.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
