Denmark votes to join EU defence pact amid concerns over Russia-Ukraine war
Copenhagen (Denmark), June 2: Denmark has voted to join the European Union's defence pact, thereby scrapping its 30-year-old opt-out from the bloc's common security and defence policies.
According to preliminary Statistics Denmark results, a large majority of Danish residents or 66.9%, voted in favour of the move, which gives the Nordic country a seat at the EU table to discuss military cooperation. The vote was held with a turnout of 65.76 per cent of the 4,260,944 electoral rolls.
"I believe that it is the right thing for Europe and for Denmark and our future," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen after casting her vote earlier in the day, believing that Denmark may be more united than ever on EU policy.
Also Read | After Satyendar Jain, Sisodia to be arrested next in 'fake case': Kejriwal
Denmark could not participate in EU military operations or cooperation in the development and acquisition of military capabilities within the EU framework due to the defence opt-out. Furthermore, the country was not required to offer military support or supplies to EU-led efforts in war zones, nor was it required to participate in any operational decisions or planning.
The Danish Parliament decided in March to hold the referendum on June 1 as part of a new multi-party defence agreement, amid rising concerns about the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.
Furthermore, Denmark aims to meet NATO members' target defence budget of 2% of GDP by 2033, with efforts beginning in 2024, according to the agreement.
Also Read | DGCA fines Vistara Rs 10 lakh over violation of takeoff, landing clearance
-PTC News
