From 1 July 2025, Denmark will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, taking over responsibilities for steering legislative negotiations and setting the political agenda among member states. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed strong confidence in Denmark’s ability to deliver a productive and pragmatic presidency.
Priorities for the Danish presidency
During a joint press conference in Copenhagen with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Social Democrats), Metsola said she anticipated “a successful presidency, because it will be a results-oriented presidency.” Metsola also praised Denmark’s longstanding role as a “pragmatic and consensus-oriented” member of the European Union.
Frederiksen outlined several key priorities for the upcoming presidency, with a particular emphasis on increasing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war and regional instability. “We must build a strong and secure EU,” she stated, reiterating that European security remains the top priority for her government during the six-month mandate.
Denmark’s Presidency will mark the eighth time the country has held this role since joining the EU. Danish ministers will chair meetings of the Council, lead negotiations with the European Parliament on legislation, and coordinate policy debates among the 27 member states.
A shift in budget policy and defence priorities
In a notable shift from previous positions, Frederiksen announced that Denmark is stepping away from the so-called “Frugal Four”—a bloc including the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, and Denmark that had advocated for strict EU budget constraints.
“At the last budget negotiations, we played a leading role in the frugal group. Next time, we will take a leading role in a different group. Because the world looks different now,” Frederiksen said.
She emphasised that EU budget reform will be a central task during Denmark’s presidency, and underlined that increased defence spending is now a priority: “If we cannot defend ourselves, the game is over at some point.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged concerns about global instability, pointing to Russia’s war in Ukraine and geopolitical uncertainty following Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States. The latter, she noted, has raised doubts about the future reliability of transatlantic alliances.
While insisting that funds must be used wisely—”only where necessary for Europe”—Frederiksen made it clear that Denmark will adopt a new, more flexible approach to budget negotiations.
A focus on European security and Ukraine
Both Frederiksen and Metsola highlighted the urgency of supporting Ukraine, not only as a matter of solidarity but also as a cornerstone of EU stability.
“We need to ensure our own security, and that begins with Ukraine,” Metsola said.
While there is general consensus among EU governments on aiding Ukraine, the level of financial and military assistance varies significantly across countries. Denmark is expected to play a key role in maintaining unity and ensuring continued EU-wide backing.
The Presidency will also involve coordinating complex negotiations on legislative files, many of which relate to security, energy policy, and the EU’s future strategic orientation. Frederiksen emphasised Denmark’s commitment to “delivering concrete results” in these areas.
