Denmark Seeking to Abolish Defense Opt-Out, Citing Growing Instability

The Danish government is considering ending Denmark's opt-out on the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy, citing growing instability in the world.

Although Denmark was named the world's second most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), the Danish leadership has decided to hold a referendum on ending the country's opt-out on the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).

"We live in a more and more unstable world in which it is important that Denmark has the opportunity to participate in international missions together with our allies in the EU," Social Democrats spokesman Henrik Dam Kristensen said, as quoted by The Local.

Due to the defense opt-out, Denmark is unable to take part in EU military operations, decisions and planning. It also cannot participate in the development and acquisition of military capabilities within the framework of the EU.

The Danish government and defense officials want to end the defense opt out, and are planning to hold the referendum on the matter "as soon as possible." Currently, Denmark is the only country in the European Union with an opt-out to the CSDP.

The defense opt-out came into effect after a 1992 "no" referendum on the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty. In general, Denmark was granted opt-outs in four areas, namely security and defense, citizenship, police and justice and the adoption of the euro, in accordance with the Edinburgh Agreement inked in December, 1992.

In late 2015, Danes will take part in a referendum on abolishing their opt-out on EU Justice and Home Affairs, which is likely to be followed by a vote on the CSDP issue.

While seeking to end its opt-out on the EU security and defense policy, Denmark remains one of the most active members of NATO.

Denmark has retained its NATO membership since 1949, providing troops for numerous world-wide operations including KFOR (Kosovo Force), NTMI (a NATO Training Mission), Operation Active Endeavor, Counter-piracy support off the Horn of Africa, AMIS (the African Union Mission in Sudan), and ISAF (International Security Assistance Forces).

"Seven hundred Danish Soldiers contributed to NATO efforts in Afghanistan… In 2008, Denmark decided to increase its military efforts, bringing the total to 750 Soldiers, making it the largest troop-contributing nation to ISAF as measured per capita," NATO's ACO (Allied Command Operations) webpage reads.

However, now the country is seeking to boost military cooperation with other European countries within the EU framework.