The country has not participated in any EU military mission so far because it was not part of the common European defense policy.
A large majority of Danes (66.9 percent) supported Denmark’s integration into EU defense policy. This is shown by the results of all counted ballots from the referendum held on the issue yesterday, AFP reported.
“Tonight, Denmark has sent an important signal. To our allies in Europe and NATO and to President Vladimir Putin. We have shown that when Putin invades a free country and threatens the stability of Europe, we, the others, unite,” said the Danish Prime Minister. Mete Frederiksen in front of his supporters.
“There is one Europe before February 24, before the Russian invasion, and one Europe after that,” she added.
Two weeks after the Russian invasion, the Prime Minister of Denmark announced an agreement with most of the parties in parliament to hold a referendum on whether to join Denmark’s European defense policy. Until now, the country has enjoyed the right of exception. Most parties in parliament have also agreed to increase defense investment to meet the 2 per cent of GDP threshold demanded by the alliance.
Denmark, a traditionally Eurosceptic country, was granted in 1993 a series of exceptions to some European policies. For example, the country has not participated in any EU military mission so far because it was not part of the common European defense policy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel welcomed the historic vote in Denmark.
“I welcome the strong message of commitment to our common security sent by the Danish people,” von der Leyen wrote on Twitter. She expressed confidence that Denmark and the EU would benefit from this decision.
“The people of Denmark have made a historic choice,” added Charles Michel.
