A majority of Danes believe that Denmark should cooperate with the other countries of the European Union in the field of defense. More than 69 percent voted in favor of this step in a referendum on Wednesday, according to initial forecasts.
Denmark is the only EU country that does not participate in European defense policy. It is therefore also lacking in EU military missions. The Russian invasion of Ukraine apparently changed the country’s mind, observers say.
The reason Denmark did not participate in the policy is because the Danes rejected the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. With this treaty, the twelve member states of what was then called the European Community (EC) established the EU.
In order to get Denmark on board, the EU was given a number of exceptions. It also got it with regard to the euro and joint justice policy.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had advised voters to vote in favor and end the exceptional position. “At a time when we have to fight for the security of Europe, we need to be more connected to our neighbours.”