Denmark starts as EU Council President: Focus on security and migration!

Denmark starts as EU Council President: Focus on security and migration!

On October 3, 2025, the course for the European future appears to be set anew. Denmark will take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2025 and will place a central focus on the security of the continent. This was reported by the EU representation and expects closer cooperation following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has increasingly turned towards the EU in recent years and is now focusing on stability and extensive military commitments.

“We have a good hand when it comes to choosing topics,” is what those responsible in Copenhagen seem to think. The upcoming EU summit on March 20, 2025 will put essential questions about defense and support for Ukraine on the agenda. It is particularly important that the member states send a strong signal together - not only for Ukraine, but also for a Europe of solidarity. Olaf Scholz is expected to attend the summit for the last time, underlining Germany's role as a pioneer in rearmament, made possible by budgetary easing.

Focus on security and defense

Denmark plans to increase its military spending to over 3% of gross domestic product by 2033. In doing so, the country wants to secure its place in a solidarity-based defense policy, which seems more urgent than ever after Russia's attack on Ukraine. “There's something on the table every day,” a saying could hardly have been more appropriate when it comes to Europe's security issues. The EU summit discusses not only rearmament, but also strengthening the economy and long-term support for Kiev. Germany in particular will provide seven billion euros for Ukraine in 2025, while other large member states such as France and Italy will have to cut back.

Negotiations on a peace agreement that respects Ukraine's borders are in full swing. The EU Commission also plans to provide up to 150 billion euros for defense in order to reduce dependence on the USA. After all, around 300 billion euros in private savings flow from the EU abroad every year, mainly to the USA. There is a need for action here to attract private investments for armaments projects and sustainable change.

Denmark and the future of Europe

By presiding over the EU, Denmark is showing that it is ready to take on responsibility. Mette Frederiksen not only plans to focus on military concerns, but also wants to address migration policy challenges at the European level. Their intention to establish Denmark's tough asylum policy at EU level could potentially find acceptance in other member states. The approach to the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni makes it clear that a new, cohesive course is being taken in Europe.

Trust in the common political structures is being put to the test by the ongoing chaos of war in Ukraine. But with a clear roadmap and a willingness to stand together both militarily and politically, the current crisis could also create an opportunity for a strong and united Europe. Political scientist Ulrik Pram Gad emphasizes that Denmark is dependent on support from the USA and a strong European backbone. This cooperation will be crucial in the coming months and years, especially in view of possible challenges posed by geopolitical tensions.

Overall, it remains to be hoped that Denmark's commitment and the upcoming EU summits will bring a positive change and put Europe on the right course. Developments this year could be crucial in paving the way to a more stable and better defended future.