Danish voters support joining EU defence policy

Denmark appeared headed toward joining the European Union’s common defense policy that it long eschewed, following a referendum Wednesday, in a new example of a European country seeking closer defense links with allies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The electoral commission said that with ballots fully counted in 84 of 92 Denmark's electoral districts, 66.9% voted in favor of abandoning the country’s 30-year opt-out from the common EU policy and 33.1% against.

"That is huge if that is where we are after 50 years of membership. I am very very very happy about it," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said.

Ending Denmark’s opt-out would have limited practical effect for either Denmark or the EU.

The referendum follows the historic bids by fellow Nordic countries Sweden and Finland to join NATO - something to be taken up at a summit next month.

The main effect of abandoning the opt-out will be that Danish officials could stay in the room when EU colleagues discuss defense topics, and Danish forces can take part in EU military operations, such as those in Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Image: AP