Danes vote yes to abolish EU defence opt-out – here are the next steps

Before Denmark can finally abolish the opt-out and enter the European cooperation on defence and security, some formal steps must be taken. First and foremost, the bill must be ratified so that the act permitting the cooperation can be published in the Official Gazette (Lovtidende) and enter into force.

A number of practical issues also have to be addressed, before Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod can notify the other EU member states that Denmark no longer wishes to make use of the opt-out. It is expected that Denmark can join the European cooperation on security and defence as from 1 July 2022.

After the opt-out is abolished, Denmark can formally submit a request to participate in the European Defence Agency and PESCO. This will be done with the involvement of the Danish Parliament and in accordance with the provisions of the Danish Constitution. The Danish Parliament will also be involved in any future decisions on potential Danish participation in EU military operations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod says:

“The Danes have spoken. We can now fully participate in the European cooperation on security and defence. And we can thereby take greater responsibility for security in our own neighbourhood. This is a good and important step. Unity in Europe is the best answer we can give in the current situation.”

For more information, contact: pressevagten@um.dk