Welcoming the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen to present the Danish priorities at the start of the Presidency of the EU Council, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that security and competitiveness must remain the twin engines driving our work.
Prime Minister Frederiksen, dear Mette, Dear colleagues,
On 1 July, Denmark assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Today, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joins us to present the Presidency’s programme for the months ahead.
Prime Minister, dear Mette, welcome to the European Parliament.
Nearly one year into this legislature, the Danish Presidency arrives at a decisive moment.
In a world marked by uncertainty, we need a Europe that is stronger and that is safer. That means taking responsibility for our own security. It means scaling up efforts to address migration and tackling high energy costs. It means giving our defence industry a much-needed boost and remaining steadfast in our support for Ukraine.
We know that a more secure Europe also depends on a strong and competitive economy. We’ve accelerated, in this House, reforms, and we’re pushing ahead with our simplification agenda, but we also need to make full use of our single market, and crucially, unlock more capital. Decisions must turn quickly into action. As I’m sure you will hear Prime Minister in our debate today, companies need the resources to grow. And businesses need predictability to succeed.
Denmark gets that. You understand that security starts with strength, and that strength is built through smart choices. And you’re leading truly by example.
Next week, the Commission will present its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Danish Presidency will have a chance to show - once again - that commitment.
Here, in the Parliament, we are ready. We are already setting out our priorities in a resolution, and our expectations are clear. Our long-term budget needs to meet today’s challenges - it must be strategic, it must be responsible, and flexible enough to adapt.
Dear Prime Minister, the Danish Presidency’s motto “A strong Europe in a changing world” - captures exactly what is needed and resonates deeply in this House. Security and competitiveness must remain the twin engines driving our work. As we work together to build a stronger, smarter, and safer Europe, this Parliament stands alongside you - as a partner and as a friend.
Prime Minister Frederiksen, dear Mette - the floor is yours.
You can read the President's speech in Danish here.