ABSTRACT
Until recently, Denmark had stood outside much of the cooperation on security and defence within the European Union because of the country’s opt-out from the Common Security and Defence Policy, thus having little influence on the debate on European Strategic Autonomy . However, the war between Russia and Ukraine has changed attitudes among Danish politicians and in the population, highlighting the need for Europe to do more for its defence and to stand united. Therefore, on 1 June 2022, the defence opt-out was abolished, allowing Denmark to participate fully in EU security and defence cooperation. Being militarily active, Denmark remains wary of any moves towards ESA that could weaken NATO, while the Alliance and a close relationship with the United States remain the cornerstones of Denmark’s security and defence policy.
