Denmark could soon find itself reconsidering its longstanding reservations towards full European Union integration, including the potential adoption of the euro as its official currency. At the recent annual meeting of the Moderates (Moderaterne) in Copenhagen, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen advocated for a complete removal of Denmark’s remaining EU opt-outs to strengthen the country’s position within the European community.
Denmark’s EU opt-outs: a historical context
Since 1993, Denmark has maintained certain exemptions from full EU integration known as the “EU-forbehold” (EU opt-outs). Initially comprising four opt-outs, only two significant ones remain today:
- Euro opt-out: Denmark is not obligated to adopt the euro and retains its independent monetary policy, although the Danish krone is pegged closely to the euro through an agreement between Denmark’s National Bank and the European Central Bank (ECB).
- Justice and home affairs opt-out: Denmark generally remains outside EU cooperation on border control, immigration, and judicial matters, with specific exceptions like visa policies and Schengen area participation.
Moderates call for a stronger, united Europe
In his speech, Rasmussen emphasized Denmark’s need to engage fully with the European project, particularly amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.
“If you always put yourself first, thinking: I have a special advantage by opting out, then others will do the same, and you risk ending up alone,” said Rasmussen.
He cited an unstable global order and weakening US commitment to European security as strong reasons for deeper integration. Rasmussen explicitly noted that dropping all opt-outs would inevitably mean adopting the euro.
Government coalition divided on EU opt-outs
While the Moderates strongly support scrapping these opt-outs, Denmark’s current government coalition is not entirely united on the issue.
Venstre (Liberals), another coalition member, supports removing the opt-outs to enhance European collaboration but urges caution.
“The date for a referendum moves closer day by day,” said Christian Friis Bach, EU spokesperson for Venstre.
However, Socialdemokratiet (Socialdemocrats), the largest party in the government coalition, remains opposed. “I’m satisfied with keeping the krone instead of adopting the euro,” stated Christian Rabjerg Madsen, the party’s political spokesperson, also opposing deeper EU involvement in immigration policy.
Possibility of a referendum
Despite internal disagreements, Rasmussen made clear that if the Moderates could decide independently, a referendum would be called soon to remove all EU opt-outs.
“If we could decide 100 percent by ourselves, we would hold the referendum shortly,” he affirmed.
Nevertheless, Rasmussen acknowledges the difficulty in convincing the coalition partners, especially Socialdemokratiet, making an immediate referendum improbable.
Strategic implications for Denmark
The debate reflects broader concerns about Europe’s future stability and Denmark’s strategic interests. As geopolitical uncertainties, including tensions with Russia and evolving relations with the United States, continue to mount, Denmark’s role within the EU could become even more significant.
Rasmussen concluded with a call for unity:
“If we want to make a real difference, we must amplify our voice, and we can only do that by fully participating in the European project.”
