The decisions of Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership have been part of the arguments of both those who support and those who oppose EU defense co-operation, says Christine Nissen, a researcher interviewed by .
STOCKHOLM Denmark has remained outside the European Union’s defense cooperation for almost 30 years.
Membership in NATO, and especially deep cooperation with the United States, has been enough for the country so far.
Now the line can change.
Prime Minister of Denmark, Social Democrat Mette Frederiksen announced that, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Denmark should strengthen its security by joining EU security and defense cooperation.
Denmark has voluntarily opted out of cooperation through a special arrangement agreed in 1993.
Abandoning the special arrangement requires a referendum. It will be held today.
We gathered key questions and answers about the referendum.
1. Why is Denmark now interested in defense cooperation?
During his term in 2019, Prime Minister Frederis and key government ministers have repeatedly said that there is no need for Denmark to join EU defense cooperation.
The mind changed rapidly after Russia invaded Ukraine.
– The war is close, says a researcher specializing in security policy Christine Nissen Danish Foreign Policy Institute. interviewed him over the phone.
The war has aroused the Danes to discuss what the country’s responsibility is and whether Denmark wants to be part of the core of the EU.
One reason is also the complete reversal of German defense policy. Denmark wants to follow Germany’s new, more active line.
In Denmark, there is a growing desire to be involved in decision-making tables as EU Member States develop their common security and defense policies.
According to Nissen, being excluded has consequences.
– Denmark has lost its weight and its reputation as a significant partner has also suffered somewhat, he says.
Some policymakers are also in the throes of preparations for Donald Trump to return to the presidency of the United States in two years.
– There may be a change in US European policy.
2. What would Denmark gain from EU defense cooperation?
The special arrangement has meant that Danish soldiers have not been able to take part in EU military activities.
For example, when the EU began monitoring the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2004, Danish soldiers left.
Instead, Denmark has been able to take part in crisis prevention work, such as training local police.
As a member of defense co-operation, Denmark should still be able to choose which tasks to take on.
– Joining the co-operation will give Denmark an influence above all else, says researcher Nissen.
In 2017, EU leaders approved a permanent structured defense partnership known as Pesco.
– The goal is for the member states to make large investments and procurement of defense equipment together in the future. Denmark is in a bad position outside this group.
Denmark would also be involved in the development of EU military technology, such as aircraft, and cyber defense cooperation.
3. What do opponents of defense cooperation say?
Most parliamentary parties are in favor of joining defense cooperation.
Three parties want to keep the current arrangement. These are the New Nationalist Party Nye Borgerlige, the Green Socialist Danish People’s Party and the anti-EU People’s Party.
The People’s Party estimates that the country would lose national decision-making power to the EU.
When Denmark voted to opt out of defense cooperation in the early 1990s, the key argument was to keep decision-making power in its own hands.
Many have been concerned about the cost of joining defense cooperation.
There will be expenditure on EU operations in which Denmark wishes to participate.
Denmark has already decided to gradually increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2033. That means an additional bill of € 2.4 billion a year.
4. How have the Finnish and Swedish NATO applications been included in the campaigns?
Finland’s and Sweden’s applications for NATO membership have flashed in the arguments of both those who support and those who oppose defense co-operation.
– Supporters have said that the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO and the accession of Denmark to EU defense will bring a completely new opportunity for the Nordic countries. Cooperation can be made in both communities, Nissen says.
Denmark has been very enthusiastic about Finland’s and Sweden’s decisions to join NATO.
Opponents of EU defense cooperation see the opposite.
– Opponents have pointed out why Denmark should join the EU’s defense co-operation when it is not enough for Finland and Sweden, but they also want NATO.
5. Will Denmark’s relationship with NATO change?
Denmark has been a member of NATO for more than 70 years.
One of the biggest topics of discussion has been how joining the EU in defense cooperation would affect the country’s membership in NATO.
“The Danes have a very close relationship with NATO and have wanted to ensure that EU defense cooperation does not jeopardize or compete with NATO,” says Nissen.
Experts have reassured the Danes that everything would remain the same and that these things are unrelated.
All NATO countries in NATO are involved in defense cooperation, with the exception of Denmark.