Denmark’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus on combating illegal migration, defence and continued support for Ukraine. This is stated in the programme under the slogan “Strong Europe in a Changing World”, which was published by the country’s Foreign Ministry on 1 July.
“During the Danish Presidency, priority will be given to fighting illegal migration and ensuring effective control of the EU’s external borders. The Presidency will support continued efforts to identify new and effective approaches to managing irregular migration,” the document reads.
Among the challenges Copenhagen identified are building a stronger and more resilient EU that takes greater responsibility for its own security, strengthening the internal security and resilience of the European Union so that the union is better prepared to deal with current and future crises, disasters and other security threats.
“The European defence industry must be strengthened. Political, military, economic and civilian support for Ukraine, as well as the EU’s policy of keeping pressure on Russia, in particular because of sanctions, must continue,” the Danish Presidency programme says.
In addition, the country considers further EU enlargement a “geopolitical necessity” and therefore “the Danish Presidency will work ambitiously to promote EU enlargement”.
“Accordingly, the Danish Presidency will facilitate enlargement negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. Enlargement is closely linked to efforts to support the EU’s fundamental values of democracy and the rule of law,” the document says.
Denmark also plans to “work to strengthen and deepen EU relations with the United Kingdom and other Western European countries that are not members of the European Union.”
Denmark’s presidency began on 1 July and will last until 31 December 2025.
The day before, the head of Denmark’s EU Delegation, Carsten Gronbech-Jensen, said that promoting negotiations with EU candidate countries, including Ukraine and Moldova, was Denmark’s priority during its presidency of the Council of the EU, which it is taking over from Poland.