Defend reservation or defense without reservation? Denmark is voting in a referendum on whether it wants to get rid of a long-negotiated special regulation on EU defense issues. Polls point in a certain direction.
In a referendum on Wednesday, the people of Denmark are called upon to go to the polls and decide: Should Denmark abolish its reservation on EU defense policy? Almost 4.3 million Danish people entitled to vote have been able to vote yes or no since 8 a.m. The background is the Russian invasion of Ukraine a good three months ago.
The special EU regulation means that Denmark can take part in civilian but not in military EU missions or in the joint development of weapons systems, for example. For example, the country is not part of the Pesco cooperation platform, through which joint military projects are organized by EU countries.
Polls point to yes to abolition
Polls indicate that a majority of citizens want to abolish the reservation. In the last survey before the election, commissioned by broadcaster DR, 44 percent were in favor of abolishing the special regulation. 28 percent opposed it. However, the figures also show that many people were still undecided or did not want to give any information until shortly before the voting day. It is therefore not yet certain whether Denmark will opt for more EU involvement. A low turnout is also expected. At ten o’clock the Ritzau news agency reported that every sixth voter had already voted.
However, another survey by the television station shows a clearer result: According to this, more than 65 percent of those who have made a decision want to vote for the abolition of the defense reservation – almost 35 percent against it. According to the survey, 19 percent were still undecided.
Voting stations are open until 8 p.m. TV stations want to publish the first forecasts afterwards. A preliminary result is expected late in the evening.
Right-wing populists and leftists for maintaining the reservation
If the mood in the Folketing, the Danish parliament, had its way, the EU proviso would certainly be abolished: 11 out of 14 Danish parties – including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s ruling Social Democrats – have voted in favor of abolishing the proviso.
The two right-wing populist parties Nye Borgerlige and Dansk Folkeparti as well as the left-wing alternative Enhedsliste are in favor of maintaining the defense reservation. All three parties don’t think it’s a good idea to take part in EU missions in Africa. “When I look at the list of these missions, I’m really worried. They leave bloody trails and I don’t think we’re serving the safety of the Danes or the people of Mozambique or Mali by going there with gunpowder and bullets.” said Mai Villadsen of the Enhedsliste on Tuesday in a .
The No side also argues that participation in EU defense policy means a weakening of NATO. “If you send soldiers to EU operations, they will be taken out of the NATO contribution,” argued Morten Messerschmidt, head of the Dansk Folkeparti.
Proviso already activated more than 30 times
Those in favor of abolishing the defense proviso say that the new security situation in Europe makes it necessary to participate in EU defense policy. Prime Minister Frederiksen argued the same way in the TV debate. On Wednesday she said at the : “This time I’m really voting with my heart because I think this is the right thing for Europe and for Denmark in our future.”
Your fellow campaigners are also in favor of a yes to abolition, as this is an addition to NATO – and does not weaken it. In addition, it is easier to work together on military equipment.
Denmark has activated its reservation on EU defense and security policy issues at least 31 times, according to the TV channel. These include the EU mission in the Mediterranean and military missions in the Central African Republic, Libya and Mali.
Denmark has several reservations with the EU
Denmark’s EU defense reservation has existed since 1993. A year earlier, the Danes had voted against the Maastricht Treaty. The Scandinavian country then negotiated in order to remain outside of defense issues, among other things. In the second attempt, the Danish people then approved the Maastricht Treaty by a majority.
Other special regulations, the so-called opt-outs, include cooperation in the judiciary, the euro and citizenship of the Union. The reservation on judicial cooperation means, among other things, that Denmark does not cooperate with the EU in the areas of border control, immigration policy, civil law, criminal law and the police.
If Denmark votes yes in the current referendum, it would be the first time that Denmark has voted in a referendum to say goodbye to such a special regulation. In 2000 Germany’s northernmost neighbor voted against the euro and in 2015 also against EU judicial cooperation.
Other sources: TV2,
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
