Danes vote on forging closer EU defence ties

[jonisonix]

Danes are voting in a referendum on whether to scrap a 30-year opt-out and take part in EU defence and security policy.

Denmark is the only EU member that has a so-called defence reservation.

But like its Nordic neighbours, Sweden and Finland, it has been reassessing its security policy since Russia launched its war on Ukraine.

Opinion polls suggest Danes back closer European defence ties, and the result could affect their military future.

Equally, there has been plenty of confusion about what the vote means in a country that is already part of Nato's defensive alliance.

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"I believe with all my heart that we have to vote yes," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said during a televised debate on Sunday. "At a time when we need to fight for security in Europe, we need to be more united with our neighbours."

But for that to happen this traditionally Eurosceptic nation needs a seat at the table.

For 30 years, the defence reservation has meant that Denmark plays no part in most European defence and security initiatives.

"Since it was created until now, generally, it has meant a loss of influence," said Christine Nissen of the Danish Institute for International Studies. "We are not able to take part in the negotiations. We have no footprint."

In practical terms the Danes are not invited to meetings, have little influence and cannot take part or finance any military operations. The EU is currently involved in several military missions and voting yes could mean taking part in at least two of them, in Bosnia-Herzegovina and off the coast of Somalia. Ultimately the decision would rest with MPs in Denmark's Folketing.

It would mean joining the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, and it would open the door to other security-related agencies. As Ms Frederiksen pointed out on the eve of the vote, Denmark is currently unable to work with its European allies on tackling cyber threats.

Nordic shift in defence policy

Within weeks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Denmark embarked on a major policy shift. "Historical times call for historical decisions," the prime minister said at the time.

A huge boost to defence spending was agreed by parliament in March, with an extra $1bn set aside over the next two years. That would then rise to 2% of GDP by 2033, in line with Nato membership requirements. That was also when the referendum and plans to phase out Russian gas were announced.

The debate in Denmark is all part of a sweeping overhaul of security policy across the Nordic region.