Between July 1 and December 31, 2025, Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU, taking over from Poland. This marks the eighth time Denmark has assumed this role. In a period marked by economic uncertainty and regional conflicts, Denmark has announced its slogan “A Strong Europe in a Changing World” and its priorities “a secure Europe” and “a competitive and green Europe.”

Denmark became a member of the European Union during the First Enlargement, joining alongside the United Kingdom and Ireland. Although the application was initially submitted in 1961, Denmark officially acceded to the European Economic Community on January 22, 1972. While it has opted out of the Eurozone, Denmark has been part of the Schengen Area since 2001.

Denmark’s Presidency Priorities

The trio of Poland, Denmark, and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus had previously outlined three principles for the trio presidency, “a strong and secure Europe,” “a prosperous and competitive a free and democratic Europe.” Denmark, assuming the Presidency amid mounting conflicts, growing geopolitical challenges and economic uncertainties adopted the slogan “A Strong Europe in a Changing World” to reflect the current global agenda.

• A Secure Europe

Denmark has articulated “a secure Europe” as the overarching priority of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In response to evolving global dynamics, Denmark underscores the strategic imperative for the EU to attain autonomous defence capabilities by 2030. The ongoing war in Ukraine has brought renewed urgency to the strengthening of the EU’s defence industrial base and the mitigation of critical capability shortfalls. In this context, the Danish Presidency intends to prioritize sustained support for Ukraine and to deepen institutional cooperation between the EU and the Ukrainian defence sector.

Furthermore, migration is framed as a multidimensional security concern. Denmark maintains that irregular migration must not be allowed to undermine the internal cohesion of the Union. The Presidency also aims to reinforce the EU’s external partnerships, particularly with third countries, while fostering greater policy alignment among Member States. In addition, the Danish agenda emphasizes the strategic importance of securing critical infrastructure, enhancing technological resilience, and ensuring the robustness of supply chains, all of which are viewed as essential to safeguarding the EU’s long-term economic and security interests.

• A Competitive and Green Europe

The second key priority of Denmark’s Presidency is the promotion of “a competitive and green Europe.” In response to intensifying global competition, Denmark advocates for a combination of collective EU-level strategies and national initiatives aimed at enhancing the Union’s overall competitiveness. Emphasis is placed on improving the framework conditions for business growth and fostering investment in emerging technologies. The Presidency also highlights the pivotal role of the green transition in stimulating sustainable economic growth and reinforcing Europe’s global competitiveness, while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

In parallel, Denmark will initiate negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with a focus on aligning long-term budgetary planning with strategic priorities. The Presidency also aims to advance the European Commission’s agenda on regulatory simplification, seeking to reduce administrative burdens and increase efficiency. In the area of trade, Denmark supports expanding the EU’s network of trade agreements and strategic partnerships, while underscoring the importance of defending the Union against unfair trading practices and safeguarding its economic interests

Key Highlights of Denmark’s Presidency Program

Under the theme of “General Affairs,” Denmark’s Presidency programme addresses key issues such as EU enlargement, the protection of fundamental values, and the enhancement of the Union’s crisis preparedness and resilience. The Presidency reaffirms that the enlargement process will remain firmly anchored in adherence to the Copenhagen Criteria and a merit-based approach. It expresses a clear intention to advance accession negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, and the countries of the Western Balkans. Notably, the programme makes no reference to Türkiye’s candidacy.

In the context of external relations, Denmark underscores the significance of the EU–UK Summit held on 19 May 2025, particularly in relation to strengthening cooperation in the fields of security and defence. Additionally, the Presidency highlights its commitment to deepening institutional agreements and strategic partnerships with both the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Denmark places particular emphasis on strengthening civil-military cooperation and enhancing EU–NATO collaboration to the greatest extent possible. In alignment with these objectives, the Presidency has expressed its commitment to advancing the implementation of the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy. Simultaneously, it will engage in negotiations on the European Commission’s cohesion policy proposals and support the implementation of national reforms within the framework of the European Semester.

Within the “Foreign Affairs” dimension of the programme, the primary focus remains on security and defence. The Presidency will maintain comprehensive military, political, and economic support for Ukraine. It endorses the continued use of revenue generated from Russia’s frozen assets to aid Ukraine and supports the extension of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Furthermore, Denmark advocates for intensified cooperation within the EU’s defence industrial base on a pan-European scale.

Under the “External Relations” heading, Denmark seeks to reinforce strategic partnerships with regions such as the Middle East, the Gulf, Africa, the Indo-Pacific, and Latin America, grounded in the principle of mutual benefit and shared strategic interests.

In “Economic and Financial Affairs,” Denmark will work toward resilient European economies while maintaining fiscal flexibility for political priorities such as defence readiness. Indeed, Denmark emphasizes that it places defence and financial support for Ukraine at the centre of its economic policies.

Denmark will also prioritize the promotion of sustainable and responsible fiscal policies, particularly in the context of the Excessive Deficit Procedure and the broader framework of EU fiscal governance. The Presidency aims to advance discussions on the development of a Savings and Investment Union to mobilize capital more effectively and enhance the EU’s long-term competitiveness. Finally, Denmark will lead the negotiations on the European Union’s annual budget for 2026, ensuring alignment with the Union’s strategic objectives and fiscal priorities.

In “Justice and Home Affairs,” the Presidency highlights irregular migration and organized crime. The Pact on Migration and Asylum will be central to migration policy, with efforts to identify and eliminate structures that facilitate irregular migration. Denmark also emphasizes the importance of strong border controls and cooperation with third countries to combat cross-border crime. Online criminal activities will be tackled through new directives, recognizing the technology as a platform facilitating criminal activities.

In “Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs”, Denmark’s main goal is to support social cohesion and create competitive labour markets. The Presidency also aims to promote safe and healthy working environments to enhance overall labour productivity. To achieve these objectives, it will advance the implementation of the Quality Jobs Roadmap in conjunction with the monitoring and reform mechanisms of the European Semester. It will also address Europe’s affordable housing crisis by promoting sustainable and accessible housing solutions. Highlighting the importance of secure pharmaceutical supply chains amid global uncertainty, Denmark intends to finalize negotiations with the EP on the EU’s pharmaceutical package.

In competitiveness, Denmark emphasizes the vital importance of economic security, resilience, and the robustness of supply chains. The Presidency is committed to advancing regulatory simplification aimed at enhancing competitiveness, alongside establishing a comprehensive framework to identify and address existing innovation gaps.

In “Transport, Telecommunications and Energy,” Denmark plans to further develop Europe’s transport sector, digital infrastructure, and internal energy market. It will focus on simplification on transport and plans to contribute EU’s digital competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

It aims to finalize agreements with the EP on regulations concerning greenhouse gas emissions in transport services and rail infrastructure capacity. Denmark will work to enhance sustainable and innovative maritime transport, thereby strengthening the EU’s global position.

Denmark reaffirms its commitment to providing affordable and clean energy for EU citizens and will follow the Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan and the REPowerEU Roadmap to support energy independence and sustainability.

Under “Agriculture and Fisheries,” Denmark promotes green transition and simplification. It will focus on a green, simple, and market-oriented the Common Agricultural Policy and is ready to begin negotiations shaping the Common Agricultural Policy for the development of the agricultural sector after 2027.  Efforts will also be made to conclude negotiations on the agricultural simplification package and improve conditions in the food and farming sectors.

On “Environment,” Denmark commits to addressing key challenges related to climate change, resource management, pollution control, nature conservation, and biodiversity preservation. Denmark prioritizes the EU’s 2040 climate target and emphasizes the Union’s role as a global leader in environmental governance. Throughout its Presidency, Denmark aims to shape the EU’s stance ahead of COP30 by influencing Council conclusions, with a focus on advancing all negotiation tracks while ensuring the protection of human rights and the promotion of gender equality within global climate action. Additionally, Denmark supports the adoption of a new United Nations agreement aimed at eliminating plastic pollution.

Finally, in education, youth, and culture, Denmark will work to strengthen cooperation and revise the strategic framework for the European Education Area. The Presidency aims to address skills shortages and promote youth participation in future EU programs related to education, youth, and sports. It will also advance transparency and democratic decision-making in international sports.

Further information on the programme and the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU is available here.