As soon as the result of the referendum was known on the evening of Wednesday 1 June, several European leaders welcomed the Danes’ 66.9% vote in favour of the country’s participation in the EU’s Common Defence Policy.
Although a member of NATO, Denmark has had an opt-out clause on its participation in this area since 1993, as well as in the Economic and Monetary Union and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.
Describing the decision as “historic”, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed that it will allow Denmark to participate fully in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
“At a time when it is more imperative than ever for the EU and its Member States to strengthen their defence capabilities and capacity to act, this decision will bring additional strength and unity to our CSDP and defence initiatives”, he added.
The High Representative stated that, once the Danish Government formally informed the other EU Member States of its decision, the EU would be ready to take all necessary steps quickly to ensure that Denmark could participate fully in all aspects of CSDP. After the formal notification of the Danish decision, the EU Council will have to adopt unanimously, on a proposal from the High Representative, a decision amending the provisions relating to Denmark’s participation in CSDP, which will allow Denmark to participate in all aspects of CSDP, including the military aspect.
The Presidents of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament also welcomed the vote, as did several EU leaders. For Charles Michel, “this decision will be beneficial for Europe and will make the EU and the Danish people safer and stronger”.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who announced the referendum on 6 March, a few days after the start of the war in Ukraine (see EUROPE 12905/9), said Denmark had sent an “important signal” to its “allies in Europe and NATO, and (to Russian President Vladimir) Putin”. “We are showing that when Putin invades a free country and threatens stability in Europe, the rest of us come together”, she said.
With this decision, Denmark will join the European Defence Agency and will be able to participate in CSDP military missions. If it wishes, Denmark can also join the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PECSO), but this will require a further decision, as participation in PESCO is not compulsory.
The vote also has financial implications for Denmark, which will have to contribute to the military budget under the European Peace Facility and to the annual budget of the European Defence Agency. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)