Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Two were martyred in an initial toll of the Israeli drone strike that targeted the al-Asira neighborhood in the city of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the al-Asira neighborhood east of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon
Sheikh Naim Qassem to the pager attack survivors: You are the greatest resistance. Know that 'Israel' will fall because it embodies aggression, crime, and occupation; victory is truly yours
Sheikh Qassem to the pager attack survivors: The value of what you are doing despite your wounds is immense, and here you are, treading the path of the Master of Nation's Martyrs and the leaders
Sheikh Qassem to the pager attack survivors: You are moving forward with insight deeper than sight itself. The enemy sought to eliminate your role in the battle, yet you remain steadfast and continue the fight
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem to the pager attack survivors one year later: You are healing from your wounds and rising above them. You have successfully passed the test
Palestinian media: Reports of stabbing operation in occupied al-Quds.
Israeli media: Sirens blare in Arava in South, near Ramon Airport.
Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouli: Egypt is targeted in plans to redraw regional map
AEOI Chief Mohammad Eslami: Our presence in IAEA General Council and fact-checking helped in preventing unilateral rhetoric that aims to portray Iran as an unregulated country

Denmark may join EU 'defense' policy to fight against Russia

  • By Al Mayadeen Net
  • Source: Agencies
  • 7 Mar 2022 00:02
3 Min Read

Denmark, with a 'social democrat' leader, seems to be joining Sweden and Finland in their "defense" policy switch-ups.

  • x
  • Mette Frederiksen, Denmark's PM
    Mette Frederiksen, Denmark's PM

On Sunday, the Prime Minister of Denmark called on citizens to invalidate its opt-out from the EU defense policy in a referendum which will be held on June 1, which comes after Russia's military operation in Ukraine. 

"Historic times call for historic decisions," Mette Frederiksen told a news conference, where she said that the government clearly calls on Danes to "lift the opt-out on defense." 

Read more: Denmark to bolster NATO numbers despite admitting no threat by Russia

Copenhagen's opt-out, which is one of four special arrangements in the EU that has been negotiated by Denmark, has seen the country abstain from military operations, in addition to providing support and supplies to wars where the EU is concerned. 

"For me, as prime minister, this is a values-based decision," Frederiksen said.

The referendum comes as part of an agreement reached on Sunday, which is supported by the majority of the Danish parliamentary members. 

Related News

NATO budget surge threatens climate goals with huge carbon footprint

Belarus hosts US officials at joint Zapad drills with Russia

This referendum could potentially constitute a drastic turnaround in Denmark's defense policy which hasn't wavered for 30 years, coming at a time when other European nations, including Sweden, have also been switching up their policies to pitch into NATO's war against Russia in Ukraine.

Sweden and Finland, though not NATO members, have seen public support in joining the military alliance against Russia, seeing closer collaboration with NATO in military action. 

Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, has also changed Germany's policy on defense, announcing a hefty brow-raising €100 billion defense while also sending weapons to Ukraine, recently sending over 2,700 anti-aircraft missiles.

This comes although Scholz stated that Germany would not be part of a military confrontation in Ukraine.

In addition, Frederiksen vowed to increase Denmark's defense spending by €941 million over the next 2 years, calling it the "largest investment" in Denmark's recent history. 

In line with NATO requirements, Copenhagen plans to increase spending to 2% of the Gross Domestic Product, by 2033, also stressing that Denmark needs to be independent of Russian gas ASAP.

Read more: Russian gas will not be replaced, EU made huge mistake - Former US colonel

"We will also work towards this in the rest of Europe," Frederiksen said, referring to the gas dependency.

It is worth mentioning that in December 2015, the Danish population voted against strengthening their cooperation with the European Union on policy and security matters over fears of losing their sovereignty over immigration. 

  • Nato
  • Russia
  • Denmark
  • Mette Frederiksen
  • Nato Alliance
  • Ukraine
  • European Union
Russia & NATO

Russia & NATO

As the Draconian Western-led sanctions on Russia exacerbate the economic crisis worldwide, and as Russian troops gain more ground despite the influx of military aid into Ukraine, exposing US direct involvement in bio-labs spread across Eastern Europe and the insurgence of neo-Nazi groups… How will things unfold?

Most Read

Pro-"Israel" conservative Charlie Kirk shot during Utah speech

American far-right activist Charlie Kirk shot dead during Utah speech

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza.

Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza

  • Politics
  • 12 Sep 2025
A screengrab from the ad played on Fox News. (X Screengrab)

Fox airs ad warning Trump not to let Netanyahu 'play' him on Gaza

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

  • Palestine
  • 14 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Britain Trained Israeli Soldiers Involved in Gaza War: Declassified
Europe

UK training of Israeli officers sparks outcry over Gaza war complicity

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)
Politics

Luxembourg to recognize Palestine at UN summit next week

European Union flags flap in the wind outside EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 (AP)
Politics

EU exec. branch to adopt new sanctions against 'Israel' on Wednesday

Charlie Kirk killing suspect faces charges in Utah court hearing
US & Canada

Charlie Kirk murder suspect faces formal charges in Utah court hearing

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS