Denmark has officially begun its six-month term holding the rotating EU Council presidency, marked by a ceremony and public celebrations in Aarhus. The opening events gathered top EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, alongside King Frederik X.
Von der Leyen praised Denmark’s pragmatic approach, stating “expectations are high” for the presidency. Frederiksen used the platform to stress the need for Europe to strengthen its own defense by 2030, underscoring that “right now, Europe’s security depends too much on your brave men and women,” addressing Zelensky directly.
Ukraine membership talks and energy independence on the agenda
Zelensky unexpectedly arrived in Aarhus to attend the inauguration, urging the EU to “keep its promise on Ukraine’s membership.” He also thanked Denmark, calling it “a country and people you can trust,” highlighting the importance of predictable partnerships in Europe.
Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s commitment to cutting ties with Russian energy. With EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, she supports banning Russian gas imports by 2027, aiming to curb Moscow’s revenue from fossil fuel sales that fund its war effort.
Danes show record support for EU integration
A new Epinion poll for DR shows that 73% of Danes would vote to remain in the EU if a referendum were held today, up from 65% in 2021 and just 41% in 2016. The same survey indicates that two-thirds of respondents believe more EU cooperation is necessary to guarantee Denmark’s security, especially in light of the war in Ukraine and the renewed uncertainty linked to Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre welcomed the figures as “historic support,” while cautioning that the EU still faces internal disagreements and challenges.
Future of EU cohesion funds under scrutiny
The Danish presidency is also putting the EU’s cohesion policy—which allocates roughly one-third of the bloc’s budget to reducing regional disparities—under review. Bjerre questioned whether these funds, traditionally aimed at infrastructure and social inclusion in poorer regions, might be reallocated or better used to support European industry or even defense cooperation.
The EU Commission will present its proposal for the next seven-year budget on 16 July, followed by a meeting of EU ministers convened by Bjerre to debate the role of cohesion funds.
Cultural celebrations and local challenges
Festivities in Aarhus included concerts, a drag show celebrating Eurovision, and hundreds gathering outside City Hall to glimpse political leaders and royalty. However, local police handed fines to three individuals for violating drone bans put in place for security reasons.
The Danish EU presidency runs until the end of the year, with major debates expected on security, enlargement, and financial priorities shaping the bloc’s future.
