The EU must take responsibility for its own security and strengthen its competitiveness.
That was the key message to emerge from the July plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
The Brussels-based EESC, which represents civil society at EU level, hosted a debate on the political priorities of the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Security and competitiveness, it was said, will be the two main priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, 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 “We must care about fair competition, good working conditions and equal treatment of migrant workers. In Denmark, we have a good labour market model. The Danish presidency could help blow life into European social dialogue.”
Séamus Boland, President of the EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group, felt that the Danish Council presidency resonated deeply with the concerns and aspirations of organised civil society.
“Its programme recognises the complexity of the challenges Europe faces.”
“We also welcome recognition of the vital role that citizens and civil society play in shaping Europe’s future.”
