Denmark was formally informed on Monday of its participation in the European Union’s common security and defense policy, marking a decisive end to a 30-year exemption from EU military missions and programs.
Officials confirmed that Denmark will join the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell spoke with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod after the official document was signed on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, signaling a new level of European unity in defense matters.
Kofod called the development historic and stated that, starting July 1, Denmark will participate as a member of the EU’s defense policy. He emphasized that the country is prepared to assume greater responsibility for European security.
Denmark held a referendum on June 1 in which voters decided to align more closely with the EU’s defense policies, ending the country’s voluntary exclusion in this area. With a turnout of 65.8 percent, 66.9 percent of those who voted supported removing the reservation. The referendum’s outcome reflected a shift in public sentiment toward a more integrated European defense posture.
As a result, Denmark is poised to engage in EU defense programs, contribute funding, and participate in joint missions, aligning with the broader European approach to security and defense. The parallel with monetary policy remains characteristic: Denmark retains its own currency, the krone, while opting into defense collaborations rather than adopting the euro. This move is part of ongoing efforts to harmonize European defense capabilities and reinforce collective security across the union.