Danish attitudes to the EU have 'changed dramatically': Denmark's Europe Minister Bjerre

Key Concepts

• Shift in Danish EU Sentiment: From Euroscepticism to strong support for European integration due to shared challenges.
• Increased Defense Spending: Denmark raising defense spending to 3% of GDP in response to geopolitical realities.
• Ukraine's EU Accession: Progress being made on technical levels despite Hungary's formal blockage.
• EU Climate Target: Agreement on a 90% cut in carbon emissions by 2040, with discussions on the role of carbon credits.
• Simplification of EU Regulations: A key priority for the Danish presidency to reduce bureaucracy and foster innovation.
• EU Budget Negotiations: Difficult talks, with Denmark adopting a more open-minded approach to address competitiveness and security concerns.
• Migration Policy: Denmark's long-standing strict immigration policy, including the concept of return hubs, and its increasing acceptance across the EU.
• Integration and Values: Emphasis on immigrants adhering to Danish values of freedom and democracy.

Summary

Shifting Danish Attitudes Towards the EU

The interview begins by highlighting a significant change in Denmark's stance towards the European Union. Historically known for its Euroscepticism, evidenced by past rejections of treaties and opt-outs (notably from defense), Denmark has now opted back into defense cooperation. Marie Bier, Denmark's Minister for European Affairs, attributes this shift to the realization that major contemporary challenges – including immigration, climate change, competitiveness, security, defense, and support for Ukraine – require collective European solutions. This sentiment is supported by strong public backing for increased EU cooperation.

Geopolitical Realities and Defense

Denmark is increasing its defense spending to 3% of GDP. This decision is directly linked to the evolving geopolitical landscape, characterized by the war in Ukraine, an increasingly aggressive Russia, and shifts in US foreign policy. Minister Bier emphasizes that Europe must become stronger and capable of self-defense, necessitating Denmark's contribution to this collective security effort. The recent drone incursions attributed to Russia underscore Denmark's perceived vulnerability in this new reality.

Progress on Ukraine's EU Accession

Despite Hungary's formal blockage, Denmark is actively working to advance Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Minister Bier explains that while formal negotiation clusters cannot be opened due to Hungary's stance, progress is being made on a technical level. The Danish presidency has prioritized frontloading the technical work, ensuring that once Hungary's objections are resolved, the negotiation clusters can be opened and potentially closed quickly, given Ukraine's ongoing reform efforts.

Supporting Ukraine Beyond Enlargement

Beyond the formal accession process, Denmark is pursuing other initiatives to bring Ukraine closer to the EU. An example cited is the agreement on "roaming like at home," which will make mobile phone usage cheaper for Ukrainians when traveling within the EU, mirroring the experience of EU citizens. This initiative, though seemingly small, is presented as a significant step in strengthening collaboration and partnership with Ukraine.

The EU Climate Target and Green Transition

Denmark, a pioneer in the green transition and a world leader in wind energy, has been instrumental in securing an EU climate target of a 90% cut in carbon emissions by 2040. While acknowledging that the final agreement, reached just before COP, includes flexibilities on carbon credits that were not ideal from a purely Danish perspective, Minister Bier expresses satisfaction in achieving any agreement. She highlights the difficulty of the negotiations, with ministers working through the night. Denmark remains committed to an ambitious climate agenda, believing it will drive the development of new green technologies crucial for future competitiveness. The country advocates for leading the way in this transition, recognizing that nations developing these technologies will hold a strong position globally.

Simplification of EU Regulations

Simplification is a core priority of the Danish EU presidency. Minister Bier notes that Danish companies frequently report being burdened by excessive rules, bureaucracy, and reporting requirements. A report from the previous year indicated that the EU is overregulating, making it difficult to do business. The goal is to reduce this burden and foster innovation. While two simplification agreements have already been reached, the agreement on sustainability is considered particularly crucial. Minister Bier stresses that simplification is not just about reducing reporting but also about enabling companies to thrive and innovate, which is essential for the green transition.

EU Budget Negotiations

Discussions surrounding the EU budget are described as "difficult." While Denmark historically aligned with the "frugal four" and maintained a stance against higher budgets and common debt, its approach to the current negotiations is more open-minded. This shift is driven by the recognition of significant threats to Europe, including a lack of competitiveness and security concerns.

Migration Policy and Return Hubs

Migration has been a key theme of the Danish presidency, with a focus on irregular migration and enhancing security at the EU's external borders. The concept of return hubs for migrants outside the EU, despite facing legal challenges, remains an idea Denmark is interested in. Denmark has maintained a strict immigration policy for over 25 years, and Minister Bier notes that many countries now recognize the need for better migration control and the return of irregular migrants. The proposal for these hubs to be established collaboratively within the EU, rather than by individual countries, is gaining traction among multiple member states.

Integration and Danish Values

Minister Bier addresses the perceived paradox of a social democratic prime minister aligning with hard-right leaders on migration. As a liberal politician, she finds a strict immigration policy natural and notes that it has become mainstream politics in Denmark. She elaborates on the challenges of integrating individuals from vastly different cultural backgrounds, citing issues related to women's rights and financial autonomy as examples of values that clash with Danish liberal principles. She asserts that immigrants must abide by Danish values of freedom and democracy if they wish to live in Denmark.