Denmark moves closer to the EU, bolstered by Trump's reemergence in international relations and the evolving landscape of global alliances.
In recent times, there has been a significant increase in public support for the European Union (EU) among Danes, a trend that can be attributed to several factors, particularly in the context of the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump.
One of the key reasons for this shift is the growing concern over European security. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for European security becoming more pressing, Denmark, as a leading supporter of Ukraine, has emphasized the importance of EU enlargement and unity in the face of external threats. This focus on security has highlighted the EU's role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe, resonating positively with Danes.
Another significant factor is the economic uncertainty caused by the threat of trade wars and new tariffs imposed by the U.S. Under President Trump. Denmark, heavily reliant on exports, finds the EU to be a more stable trading partner compared to the volatile U.S. policies.
The geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Denmark have also played a role in this shift. The U.S. administration's actions, including the attempt to acquire Greenland from Denmark, have strained relations between the two countries, leading Denmark to emphasize its independence and seek stronger alliances within the EU.
The leadership and policy alignment under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been instrumental in promoting EU unity and security. The Danish government's proactive stance on EU issues, including defense cooperation, has contributed to increased support among Danes.
Lykke Friis, a leading Danish political analyst and former minister, stated that Denmark has faced a "triple shock": the war in Ukraine, Brexit, and the return of Trump. He noted that the return of Trump had the most profound effect, prompting a shift in Danish identity and alignment.
Denmark's six-month EU presidency will focus on a vision of a stronger and more secure Europe. Prime Minister Frederiksen has stressed the importance of unity and strength within the EU, stating that "Europe needs to step up and stand together. We have to build an even stronger Europe-a more secure Europe-where we are able to protect our democracies."
This shift in Danish public opinion is not without its challenges. Fears about EU overreach have made many Danes wary of deeper integration. However, the concern is no longer about the EU becoming overly dominant but rather about the EU's potential weakness in confronting external threats, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump.
In response to Vice President JD Vance's criticism of Denmark's Arctic defense contributions, Prime Minister Frederiksen defended Denmark's record, calling the country "a good and strong ally." Denmark has also announced its departure from the "Frugal Four," a bloc of fiscally conservative EU countries, emphasizing the need to "rearm Europe."
The growing friction between Washington and Copenhagen, particularly over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has added to the tension. However, public support for the EU among Danes is at its highest level in two decades, with 92% of respondents agreeing that Denmark should depend more on the European Union than the United States for its security.
In conclusion, the factors outlined above have likely contributed to a shift in Danish public opinion, with Danes viewing the EU as a more vital partner in times of uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. This shift marks a significant change in Denmark's historically cautious approach to European integration, with many Danes reassessing their stance towards both the EU and the U.S. under the second Trump presidency.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine, and the increased pressure for European security have led Danes to value the role of the EU in maintaining peace and stability, thereby strengthening public support for policy-and-legislation that emphasizes EU enlargement and unity.
- The economic uncertainty caused by trade wars and new tariffs imposed by the U.S., as well as the strained political relationship between the U.S. and Denmark, have made the EU a more attractive trading partner and alliance for Denmark, contributing to the growing public support for the EU, particularly in the field of general-news.
