Abstract
The Danish defence opt-out and the non-Europeanization of the Danish Defence
Who decides on the Europeanization of the defence of a European Union Member State? Is it a quasi ‘automatic’ process, or is it the national government and parliament? If it is the former, it would imply that no matter the result in the June 2022 referendum on the Danish defence opt-out, the Danish Defence would get Europeanized. Is this so?
The analysis focuses on the possible Europeanization of Denmark’s defences. Denmark is particular interesting from a theoretical point of view, because it has invoked four EU opt-outs, including one on defence policy. Two cases are analysed: one focusing on downloading Europeanization and one on possible socialization. The results are that no significant Europeanization has taken place, and thus that Europeanization is stoppable. That Europeanization is stoppable, is an important point in relation to the democracy discussion in Denmark, no matter the result of the June 2022 referendum. Should the opt-out be lifted, Europeanization is likely, if it is not lifted, status quo is foreseeable.
Who decides on the Europeanization of the defence of a European Union Member State? Is it a quasi ‘automatic’ process, or is it the national government and parliament? If it is the former, it would imply that no matter the result in the June 2022 referendum on the Danish defence opt-out, the Danish Defence would get Europeanized. Is this so?
The analysis focuses on the possible Europeanization of Denmark’s defences. Denmark is particular interesting from a theoretical point of view, because it has invoked four EU opt-outs, including one on defence policy. Two cases are analysed: one focusing on downloading Europeanization and one on possible socialization. The results are that no significant Europeanization has taken place, and thus that Europeanization is stoppable. That Europeanization is stoppable, is an important point in relation to the democracy discussion in Denmark, no matter the result of the June 2022 referendum. Should the opt-out be lifted, Europeanization is likely, if it is not lifted, status quo is foreseeable.
| Translated title of the contribution | Det danske forsvarsforbehold og ikke-europæiseringen af det danske forsvar |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Title of host publication | Danish Foreign Policy Review |
| Editors | Kristian Fischer, Hans Mouritzen |
| Publisher | Dansk Institut for Internationale Studier, DIIS |
| Publication date | 2022 |
| Pages | 107-137 |
| Chapter | 3 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-87-7236-083-6 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-87-7236-084-3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |