Denmark’s turn at the helm of the Council of the European Union begins amid a profoundly altered geopolitical environment – one where the return of war to our continent has dispelled any illusions of lasting peace and permanent stability.
We now enter a period in which the European project must be defended not only with words and ideals, but through practical readiness, strategic resilience and political courage.
Two priorities must guide our course: Europe must rearm and Europe must remain unwavering in its support for Ukraine. These are interconnected pillars of the same fundamental responsibility. They reflect a commitment to the defence of sovereignty, freedom and the values that underpin the EU.
To rearm is not to return to the past, but to prepare responsibly for the future. For many years, Europe allowed itself to believe that economic interdependence and diplomatic engagement alone would safeguard our continent. That belief has not survived the reality of Russian aggression.
This article is part of The Parliament's Guide to the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 has made it unambiguously clear that peace without the capacity to deter and, if necessary, to defend is a fragile and temporary illusion.
Europe must now take serious steps to rebuild its defence capabilities. This will require sustained investment in our armed forces, greater co-operation and interoperability among member states, and a revitalisation of the European defence industry. It also calls for a cultural shift, by which defence is no longer treated as a peripheral issue but embraced as a core function of European unity and responsibility.
This is a call for maturity, not militarisation. If Europe wishes to be sovereign, it must be capable of safeguarding that sovereignty. Strategic autonomy begins with credible defence.
Support for Ukraine must remain strong
The EU’s support for Ukraine must remain steadfast. Ukraine is on the front line of a broader conflict in which the basic principles of international law, democratic governance and national self-determination are under direct assault. The outcome of this war will shape the security landscape of Europe for generations to come.
Should Ukraine be defeated or abandoned, the message to Moscow and others would be unmistakable. That message would reverberate far beyond Kyiv, sending shockwaves through Moldova, Georgia and the Baltic states.
Supporting Ukraine is not an act of charity. It is a matter of European self-interest, one that protects our stability by standing firm in the face of aggression.
Our support must be comprehensive. It must include the continued delivery of military assistance, long-term economic aid, infrastructure for reconstruction, and a clear and credible political path toward European integration. We must ensure that Ukraine has a path to thrive as a full and respected member of our shared European community.
Denmark has positioned itself as a principled and pragmatic actor, pushing defence spending beyond 3% of GDP. During its presidency, Denmark will use its voice to promote a more co-ordinated and ambitious approach to European security.
Peace in Europe depends on our willingness to invest, co-operate and lead. To rearm Europe and to support Ukraine are not two separate agendas – they are expressions of a single European responsibility.
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