Denmark Takes Over EU Presidency

Denmark Takes Over EU Presidency

Why in News? 

Recently, Denmark assumed the presidency of the EU Council for six months focusing on defense and support for Ukraine. Denmark has set its focus on fostering internal unity and advancing critical decisions on EU expansion and climate commitments.

Denmark Takes Over EU Presidency

• Context: 

• The rotating leadership of the EU Council shifted to Denmark on 1 July 2025 for a half-year term under the theme “A Strong Europe in a Changing World“.

• • • Denmark follows Poland and precedes Cyprus as part of the current “trio”.

• Key Priorities:

• • • Denmark set three main goals: enhance security, boost competitiveness, and advance the green transition.
    • It works to scale EU defense to reach 5 % GDP by 2030 in line with NATO.
    • It aims to simplify rules to help businesses thrive under pressure from global rivals.
    • It plans to reduce emissions by 90 % by 2040 versus 1990 levels and reduce reliance on Russian energy.
    • Denmark intends to offer active backing to both Ukraine and Moldova throughout its current EU Council presidency. 
    • It will push Ukraine’s membership agenda despite blockage by Hungary.
    • It plans to push forward the EU’s migration pact and exploring external return hubs and preventive measures

• Significance:

• • Denmark steps into leadership during a time of global tension. The role positions Denmark as mediator in EU debates on defense spending, trade, and green policy.
  • The Presidency allows Denmark to steer the 2026 EU budgeting process and Multiannual Financial Framework talks.
  • Denmark also works closely with European Commission President von der Leyen to coordinate US trade talks and safeguard EU interests.

European Union and Its Institutions

• What is the European Union?

• • • The European Union unites 27 countries in shared governance. 
    • The EU has supported peace, prosperity, and collaboration across Europe since 1958.
    • The European Union overseas policies in trade, environment, security, and the economy across all its member nations.

• EU Institutions:

• • The European Commission proposes laws, enforces rules, and manages EU funds. It employs 32,000 civil servants in Brussels and has 27 commissioners led by Ursula von der Leyen.
  • The European Parliament includes 720 members who work with the Council to pass legislation. These representatives are elected every five years, with the next vote in 2029.
  • The European Council sets the main political goals and overall direction for the European Union. It holds summit meetings roughly every three months. 
    • It handles issues national ministers cannot solve and shapes EU foreign and security policy.

Structure and Voting in the EU Council

• Structure: The Council divides work into ten thematic groups. Each group brings together national ministers and voting happens according to their topics. These gatherings shape laws, approve budgets, and manage EU policies.

• • • The Council relies on two main support levels. The first level includes over 150 working parties. These parties consist of national civil servants, Commission officials, and clerks. 
    • The second level is Coreper, the Committee of Permanent Representatives. Coreper has two formations. 
      • Coreper I manages other topics like agriculture and environment. 
      • Coreper II is responsible for preparing matters related to economic policy and general affairs.
      • Coreper ensures consistency across policy areas.
    • Ministers meet in Council configurations. They adopt agendas, debate proposals, and vote. They classify agenda items as “A” or “B”. About two‑thirds of items go to “A” lists and pass without debate. Items in “B” lists require in‑depth discussion or formal voting.

• Voting Rules: 

• Simple Majority: Ministers use simple majority for technical and procedural decisions. They need at least 14 of 27 member states to vote yes to pass a simple majority.

• • • Qualified Majority: It serves as the default rule for most legislation in Council and it is used in about 80–90% of cases. To pass most decisions, the Council needs support from 55% of member nations, which equals 15 out of the 27.
    • Reinforced Qualified Majority: For proposals not coming from the Commission or High Representative, rules change. Ministers require support from 72% of member states (at least 20 countries).

• Voting Culture: Council voting reflects a mix of consensus and formal rules. Most decisions occur without votes. Ministers aim to avoid formal conflict. Countries may signal dissent by reserving “B” items or explaining votes rather than blocking. The Lisbon Treaty of 2009 streamlined voting. It replaced complex weighted voting with double‑majority rules as of 1 November 2014. 

What Is the Presidency of the EU Council?

• The EU rotates Council leadership among its 27 members every six months.
• This rotation gives each country a turn roughly every 13.5 years. 
• Each presidency lasts six months and starts either on 1 January or 1 July every year.
• Three EU member states take turns holding the presidency together in a trio and coordinate an 18-month joint agenda.
  • The Lisbon Treaty, which came into force in December 2009, introduced the trio presidency format for smoother continuity.
• The presidency chairs Council meetings across policy areas except foreign affairs.
• It plans meeting schedules, sets agendas, and ensures orderly processes. It acts as a neutral broker to help negotiators build agreement.
• The presidency allows equal participation among all member states. It gives smaller countries a chance to shape EU debates .
• It boosts national visibility and shows diplomatic skill. The rotating presidency ensures national views join EU‑wide policymaking.
• It enables shared leadership and keeps Council work steady and inclusive during each six‑month term.

EU Presidency of Denmark: Impact on India

• Green Energy: Denmark launched the Green Transition Alliance with India in February 2025. This alliance involves Danish firms like Grundfos, Maersk, and Rockwool working in wind, hydrogen, and efficient technologies in India. The partnership helps India achieve its net‑zero targets by 2070. This collaboration may help lower emissions and enable climate action in India.

• Shipping Collaboration: Denmark will advance green maritime cooperation under its presidency. Since 2019, both countries have worked on smart ports, digital systems, and cybersecurity. The presidency can accelerate the Centre of Excellence for green port technologies in India. It may help India’s Sagarmala 2030 goal for modernized shipping.

• FTA Acceleration: Denmark will play a role in supporting EU‑India free‑trade negotiations in 2025. The presidency may help smooth talks on tariffs for cars, wine, and origin rules. Denmark may lobby for a balanced deal that serves European and Indian needs.

• Security Cooperation: Denmark may foster stronger EU‑India defense cooperation during its presidency. India and EU already coordinate on naval safety in the Indian Ocean. Denmark may back the EU’s ESIWA initiative to protect sea lanes. The presidency may invite India into strategic discussions on Indo‑Pacific security.
• Digital Innovation: India and EU already held regular TTC meetings since 2022. Denmark’s leadership may accelerate joint R&D, standards setting, and innovation funding. It will foster data and digital partnerships that aid both regions.