Denmark to Strengthen EU Defense and Security Policy Through Referendum

Deciding to Give Up Opt-Out Allowing Policy Participation Refusal via Referendum

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] On the 1st (local time), Denmark decided to participate in the European Union (EU)'s defense and security policy through a national referendum.

According to major foreign media, Denmark held a referendum on whether to abolish the opt-out clause that allowed it to refuse participation in the EU's defense and security policy. The results showed 66.9% in favor and 33.1% against, with a voter turnout of 65.8%.

Denmark joined the EU in 1973 but adopted the opt-out in 1993, refraining from participating in EU defense and security discussions and EU-level military exercises. This stance was similar to Sweden and Finland's decision not to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to avoid provoking Russia. However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising security concerns, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership last month, and Denmark also changed its position to cooperate in the EU's defense and security policy.

Denmark has been a founding member of NATO since 1949. Ahead of the referendum, some argued that securing defense and security through NATO was the best option, but the ruling Social Democrats, with a center-left orientation, claimed that defense could be strengthened through cooperation between the EU and NATO.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said regarding the referendum results, "Today, Denmark has sent a very important signal," adding, "When Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, invades free countries and threatens Europe's stability, we are showing Europe, NATO allies, and President Putin that we stand united."

EU officials expressed their welcome.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, tweeted, "The Danish people have made a historic choice," and said, "The world has changed since Russia invaded Ukraine, and thanks to this decision, both the EU and the Danish people will be safer and stronger."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated, "I welcome the strong message on security sent by the Danish people today," and added, "I am confident that both the EU and Denmark will benefit from this decision."