Danish government plans referendum on EU defence opt-out

Denmark's defence minister Carl Holst was quoted on 5 August 2015 as saying that the government was planning a referendum on ending tts opt-out from the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy.

Ending the opt-out would enable Denmark to take part in joint EU military operations and to cooperate on development and acquisition of military capabilities within the EU framework. It would also allow Denmark, a NATO member, to participate in decisions and planning in this area.

According to a spokesman of governing Liberal party, the referendum would take place shortly after another planned referendum on the Danish opt-out regarding EU Justice policy, to take place before the end of 2015.

The Liberal party had already once called for a referendum to be called on this matters, while still an opposition party.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Danish opposition agrees to quick EU referendum http://www.europeansources.info/record/danish-opposition-agrees-to-quick-eu-referendum/

The Local.dk, 05.08.15: Danes may vote on ending defence opt-out http://www.thelocal.dk/20150805/denmark-may-hold-referendum-on-eu-defence-opt-out

---