Denmark focuses on a secure, green and competitive Europe.

On 1 July, Denmark will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) for six months. This makes Denmark the second country in the current trio presidency, in between Poland and Cyprus. Their joint 18-month programme is focused on advancing security, competitiveness and democracy. In this context, Denmark is placing particular emphasis on two priorities: on the one hand, making Europe more secure – both in terms of defence and the economy – and on the other, ensuring that Europe becomes more competitive and green.

A competitive Europe

To strengthen the EU's long-term competitiveness, Denmark wants to reduce burdens for businesses, citizens and public authorities. This is why the Danish presidency will give high priority to the European Commission’s simplification proposals. At the same time, Denmark will promote competitive labour markets: labour mobility, decent working conditions, upskilling and reskilling as well as healthy and safe work environments are seen as key to ensuring access to skilled labour and improving productivity across the EU. Denmark also wants to improve opportunities for recruiting international workers in professions experiencing labour shortages, for example through an EU talent pool.

Fair labour mobility

According to the Danish programme, freedom of movement for workers is a cornerstone of EU cooperation. Digitalisation can help simplify the coordination of social security within the EU, improve enforcement and oversight of existing rules, and support free and fair labour mobility. In this context, the pilot project for the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) is to be followed up, and further solutions related to free and fair mobility will be explored. This also applies to posted workers. The Danish presidency wants to advance negotiations on a voluntary digital posting declaration (e-declaration), aiming to significantly reduce administrative burdens for European companies while safeguarding workers’ rights.

Healthy and safe workplaces

Too many Europeans fall ill due to exposure to hazardous substances at work. Therefore, the Danish presidency intends to advance health and safety measures, including the sixth revision of the Directive on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances. Additionally, Denmark seeks to ensure appropriate framework conditions for internships across the EU and prevent poor pay and working conditions. A key focus will be the Council Recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships.

Equal treatment and anti-discrimination

In the context of updating the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Danish presidency aims to adopt Council conclusions. These would set priorities for a renewed strategy, with a particular focus on how Member States can best ensure independent living. Furthermore, attention will be given to the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive, which the European Commission has considered withdrawing due to a lack of consensus in the Council. Denmark wants to work toward a possible agreement or, if the proposal is withdrawn, initiate political discussions on how the EU can best strengthen efforts in this area.

Health

In the area of health, the Danish presidency aims to conclude negotiations with the European Parliament on the pharmaceutical package. Denmark will also address the Commission’s proposal on critical medicines, which is intended to improve supply security for essential medicines in the EU. Another focus will be the planned EU Medical Countermeasures Strategy to enhance the resilience of healthcare systems to man-made crises and natural disasters. Denmark also intends to highlight the EU Biotech Act and support science-based innovations in the bioeconomy by promoting flexibility, cutting red tape and simplifying regulations. As antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to citizens, a One Health approach – linking animal and human health – will be pursued. Finally, in line with the European Care Strategy, the Danish presidency will prioritise the future of ageing and long-term care to ensure quality, accessibility and better working conditions.

Chemicals policy

With regard to chemicals policy, the Danish presidency wants to initiate negotiations on the reform of the REACH Regulation, which addresses the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. The aim is to establish a simplified, modernised framework that promotes the sustainable use of chemicals and protects consumers from hazardous substances and unnecessary PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals”.

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence

The Danish presidency will also work to strengthen the EU’s digital competitiveness and technological sovereignty. This requires building skills in key digital technologies, which in turn depends on improved framework conditions, innovation and investment in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technologies and data. In this context, Denmark aims to adopt Council conclusions to enhance digital competitiveness, building on the European Commission’s AI Strategy and European Data Strategy. The European action plan for cybersecurity in hospitals and healthcare providers will also be taken forward.

Internal market

Promoting competitiveness – and thus the internal market – is a recurring theme throughout Denmark’s programme. The presidency aims to help strengthen the internal market, foster innovation and further develop the Savings and Investment Union to increase access to venture capital and mobilise private investment. In addition, negotiations on the directive to harmonise certain aspects of insolvency law will be pursued to support deeper integration of EU capital markets.