MEPs will debate the start of the latest EU presidency, now held by Denmark.
They will discuss Denmark’s agenda for its six-month Council Presidency, which started on 1 July, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The debate will take place this week in Strasbourg where MEPs are meeting for the last plenary before the summer break.
“The start of a new rotating presidency is a moment of renewed energy,” says EU council chief Antonio Costa. “Rotating Presidencies play an essential role in ensuring national ownership of the European Union.”
In a speech aimed to coincide with the Danish term, the Portuguese born official added, “They serve as an excellent reminder that our Union is composed of 27 distinct national sensitivities, cultures, and interests.”
The moto of the Danish presidency is “A Strong Europe in a Changing World”. It comes at a particularly turbulent time in world history with wars in different parts of the world, including Ukraine.
Addressing security issues Costa said, “A Secure Europe is not a slogan. It is a duty. A duty to protect our citizens, uphold our values, and defend our future. NATO is indispensable. At the same time, the European Union is assuming greater responsibility in building a common European defence system that deters aggressions.”
“That is why we are working hard to achieve defense readiness by 2030. Boosting our capabilities, investing better collectively, more rationally and efficiently, combining different financial tools.”
“Denmark is a leader on European security. It is setting an example in its steadfast support for Ukraine. Militarily and financially, on reconstruction, and boosting the Ukrainian defense industry with direct procurement, under the so-called Danish model.”
He added, “Together, we will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine. With long-term support and a clear path to European Union membership. Because enlargement is not a bureaucratic process, it is a strategic investment in peace, stability, and our shared European future. In fact, it is the EU’s best geopolitical investment. And I know we can count on the Danish Presidency to push forward the negotiations with Ukraine, and also Moldova, and the six Western Balkan countries.”
Another Danish priority is economic competitiveness.
On this, Costa said, “Both pillars reinforce each other. A more competitive Europe is a safer Europe; and a Europe with a more robust defence industry will be a more autonomous, innovative and technological Europe.”
“Indeed, we need a European Union that leads in innovation, delivers prosperity and good quality jobs, and attracts talent. Trade is a fundamental component of this effort. That is why the EU needs to continue its ambitious fair-trade agenda with partners all over the world.”
“The core of our economic strength, the EU’s economic superpower, is the single market. But it must be modernized and deepened. We need to simplify the rules that govern our businesses and cut red tape. We are doing that already and we need to redouble our efforts. Competitiveness and the green transition are two sides of the same coin. Actually, the green transition is Europe’s chance to lead.”
“To create clean jobs, attract investment, and reinforce our energy security and our economic resilience. Denmark has a very strong record in these fields.“
His message was, “We count on the Danish presidency to take this work forward, in preparation for a successful COP30 in Brazil, in November.”
