A new consequence of the war in Ukraine. An overwhelming majority of Danes, almost 67%, voted on Wednesday in favor of joining EU defense policy, according to the tally of 97% of the ballots.
“Tonight, Denmark sent an important signal. To our allies in Europe and NATO, and to (President Vladimir) Putin. We show that when Putin invades a free country and threatens stability in Europe, the rest of us come together,” said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel hailed a “historic” vote. “I welcome the strong message of commitment to our common security sent by the Danish people”, wrote on Twitter the President of the European Commission, “convinced that Denmark and the EU will benefit from this decision”. “The people of Denmark have made a historic choice,” welcomed the President of the European Council.
A Eurosceptic history
Member State of the EU since 1973, Denmark had fired the first cannon shot of euroscepticism by rejecting the Maastricht Treaty by 50.7% in 1992, unheard of at the time. To lift the deadlock – which threatened the entry into force of the founding treaty throughout the European Union – Copenhagen had obtained a series of exceptions, called “opt outs” in European jargon, and the country finally said yes in a new ballot the following year.
Since then, Denmark has remained outside the euro – rejected by a referendum in 2000 – but also from European policy on home affairs and justice – again rejected by referendum in 2015 – as well as defence. By virtue of this last exception, the Scandinavian country – a founding member of NATO – was thus unable to participate in any EU military mission.
Formerly marginal, the defense policy of the 27 has gained momentum in recent years, even if the ideas of a European army are still a foil for many capitals.