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
7 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
Last News
The Resurgence of Mandatory Military Service in Europe: What’s Behind It?
Defence has become a key focus for the EU; could this result in more young Europeans being drafted into the military?
[embedded content]
If you’re under 40 and living in Europe, the likelihood of being drafted for military service is increasing.
Recently, three EU nations have reinstated conscription, with many others considering whether to do the same.
Factors such as Russia’s
Ex-Serbian Minister Arrested Following Deadly Railway Station Disaster
Serbian prosecutors have announced the arrest of Momirović and other suspects who are believed to have inflated invoices issued by two Chinese companies involved in the railway station renovation. The corrupt activities allegedly led to a $115.6 million loss in public funds, with the Chinese consortium gaining at least $18.8 million by inflating invoices. These arrests follow indictments from Dece
Danish EU Presidency to Prioritize a "Strong Europe"
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 U
Cultural Heritage Should Be Essential to Europe’s Future, Says Europeana Foundation Director-General
SOFIA – “Cultural heritage must be a fundamental aspect of Europe’s future. Bulgaria possesses a rich and significant history, and initiatives for the digitization and dissemination of this heritage are still progressing. While there is more to accomplish, the potential is immense,” stated Harry Verwayen, Executive Director of the Europeana Foundation, during the scientific conference “Cult
Spain’s Summer of CV-Related Resignations
In July, it was uncovered that although her profile on the Spanish parliament’s website claimed she held a “dual degree in Law and Public Administration,” she actually had no degree. Journalists found that her profile at Guatemala’s Francisco Marroquín University, where Núñez taught a Political Science course, incorrectly asserted that she had a degree in English Philology.
This revelation of fake
MEPs Call for CAP to Be “Strengthened”
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group, one of the mainstream parties in the EU Parliament, has called on the European Commission to safeguard and strengthen the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
It has warned against any attempt to reduce funding in the upcoming legislative proposal for the 2028–2034 period.
ECR Agriculture Coordinator Carlo Fidanza MEP told this website the CAP must b
Eurozone Inflation Stabilizes Near Target
Inflation in the eurozone seems to have stabilized at around two percent.
According to an estimate from Eurostat, the EU’s statistics office, inflation for July was exactly two percent.
Inflation was also recorded at two percent in June for the euro-using countries.
The European Central Bank (ECB) aims to maintain a medium-term inflation target of two percent, adjusting interest rates as necessar
German Police Search Home of Ex-Deputy Head of Zelenskyy’s Office
He held the position until September of last year, when his dismissal was announced before a major reshuffle of Zelenskyy’s Cabinet. He moved to the Bavarian town of Starnberg shortly after.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, reports of the NABU-requested search of Shurma’s home infuriated the Ukrainian president, who objected to the “international scale” of its investigations. The publication c
Water Leak Shuts Down Beatrijslaan in Burcht This Weekend
Burcht (Eurotoday) – Beatrijslaan in Burcht will remain closed all weekend due to a serious water leak. Authorities are on-site for emergency repairs and traffic is being diverted.
Due to its importance as a connecting road between Burcht and Linkeroever, this is likely to cause traffic jams throughout the weekend. Drivers will need to take a different route.
Due to a significant water main brea
Gaza: ‘No one should ever be forced to risk their life to find food,’ says UN humanitarian agency
The prolonged deprivation of essential life-sustaining goods has deepened the crisis. Over 100 people were killed and hundreds injured along food convoy routes and near Israeli-militarized distribution hubs in the past two days alone.
With one in three people currently going without food for days, OCHA emphasized that no one should have to risk their life for food.
Ted Chaiban, Deputy Director of
Leave a Reply