The EU must take responsibility for its own security and strengthen its competitiveness.
That is the key message from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the body which represents civil society at EU level.
It hosted a debate on the political priorities of Denmark, which has now taken the helm of the EU for the next 6 months, holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Security and competitiveness, it was said, will be the two main priorities of the Danish Presidency, which started on 1 July and will come to an end on 31 December.
The debate heard that Europe is currently undergoing significant change, with uncertainty, global competition and increased conflict in a number of areas.
Speaking at the session, Marie Bjerrie, Denmark’s Minister of European Affairs, said, “We need a strong, competitive and green Europe.
“We need a Europe that is able to take responsibility for its own security and a Europe that is able to innovate and compete at global level.
” Supporting Ukraine and moving forward on enlargement will be key.”
For his part, EESC President Oliver Röpke stressed that the Danish presidency arrives at a “defining moment for Europe.”
He said,
“Its priorities on security, competitiveness and the green transition closely align with the EESC’s core concerns. We stand ready to provide practical expertise and reflect the voices of Europe’s organised civil society in support of a resilient, values-based Europe that is connected to its people.”
Röpke said that the Committee was currently preparing 11 exploratory opinions at the Council presidency’s request, including one on green skills and vocational institutions.
Bjerrie said the objective of the Danish Council presidency was to lead
“with responsibility, act in unity and deliver tangible results for the Union.”
Under the motto ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Council presidency aims to
“work for a secure, competitive and green EU.”
It says the European Union needs to “take more ownership” of its own and the Euro‑Atlantic security, and to work closely with NATO and its allies.
The EU, it adds, must develop the capability to defend itself by 2030 at the latest and strengthen its defence industry and production.
With regard to Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine, it says continuous support to Ukraine remains a top priority.
Simultaneously, the EU’s merit‑based enlargement is a geopolitical necessity and, for Ukraine, the prospect of EU membership is “existential.”
During the debate, on behalf of the EESC’s Employers’ Group, Sandra Parthie, President of the EESC’s Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption, said:
“Europe doesn’t need another agenda. It needs action.”
“And the Danish presidency comes at a defining moment.
“The 20 million companies we represent are not asking for favours – they are asking for conditions that allow them to compete. Denmark can help deliver three essentials: 1. From simplification to a culture of better lawmaking; 2. Stop the innovation drain; 3. Make green a business case.”
Referring to the situation of workers and their working conditions, Dorthe Andersen, Vice-President of the EESC’s Workers’ Group, said that
Comments
11 responses to “Danish EU Presidency to Prioritize a "Strong Europe"”
Oh, brilliant, just what we need—another Danish initiative to make Europe “stronger.” I suppose we’ll be dancing around the tulips while solving global conflicts, eh? 🌷💼
Ah, the Danes are promising a “strong Europe” while probably sipping on their lattes. Let’s hope their idea of strength comes with a side of practicality, and not just a fancy slogan! ☕💼
Looks like the Danes are ready to whip Europe into shape—because nothing says “strong” like a six-month presidency filled with debates and more opinions than actual action. 🤔💼
Looks like Denmark’s got the EU presidency and they’re all about a “strong Europe” – because who doesn’t love a good ol’ promise of unity while we juggle global crises like a circus act? 🎪 Let’s hope their idea of “action” doesn’t just mean rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic! 😂
The Danes are stepping up to lead Europe with the same finesse they apply to their pastries—let’s hope they manage to whip up a strong Europe rather than a flaccid soufflé! 🍰😏
A “strong Europe,” eh? Sounds like a perfect plan for a continent that’s been busy tripping over its own shoelaces for decades. 🤷♂️ Let’s hope the Danes have more than just pastries to offer this time! 🍰
Just what we needed, another round of “strong Europe” talk from Denmark—because clearly the last few decades of meetings and debates have been *super* effective, right? 😏 Let’s all raise a toast to “action” when they finally figure out how to make it happen! 🍻
Just what we needed, another Danish initiative for a “stronger” Europe—because we all know being strong is just a matter of having the right pastries and a good sense of hygge, right? 🥐💪 #StrongEurope #DanishDelight
Oh, fantastic, just what we needed—another round of meetings with the Danes at the helm, while the rest of Europe holds its breath hoping for a miracle. 🍻 Cheers to a “strong” Europe—let’s just hope it’s not as strong as their pastries!
Looks like Denmark’s got a master plan for a “strong Europe.” Just what we need—another six months of meetings and fancy speeches while the rest of us navigate the chaos of daily life. 🙄💼
So, Denmark’s taking a crack at leading the EU, eh? Can’t wait to see how they’ll whip up a “strong Europe” while keeping the pastries fresh – talk about multitasking! 🥐💪
Oh, brilliant! A “strong Europe” led by Denmark—because who better to tackle global competition than the nation famous for pastries and LEGO? 🍰🧩
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