Denmark assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July, a position it will hold until the end of the year.
The Danish government has identified two main priorities for its presidency – a more secure Europe, with a particular focus on Ukraine and migration, and a more competitive and green Europe.
“The EU presidency gives Denmark a unique chance for influence, which we are seizing,” commented Marie Bjerre, Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs.
‘A significantly stronger Europe’
“In the new geopolitical situation, there is a need for a significantly stronger Europe, both economically, politically and militarily. That is why we have an ambitious presidency programme, which is to ensure a strengthening of the EU’s defence and security, support for Ukraine and the fight against irregular migration.”
Bjerre, who has visited all 27 EU member states during her role as minister, including several candidate countries, also stressed the need to reduce bureaucratic burdens on European businesses.
“We will also work to ensure better conditions and fewer regulations and burdens for European companies, while maintaining the green transition so that Europe’s competitiveness is improved,” she said. “The Danish government is in the right gear – and we look forward to delivering results.”
Denmark’s programme for the EU Presidency can be found here.
To coincide with Denmark assuming the EU Presidency, Eurostat prepared a detailed infographic highlighting Denmark’s role in Europe, including the fact that Denmark has the highest government surplus as a share of GDP in the EU, as well as being the biggest exporter of wind turbines in the bloc. Check out the infographic below.
