Historically eurosceptic Denmark votes right this moment in a referendum on whether or not to overturn its opt-out on the EU's frequent defence coverage.
The vote comes on the heels of neighbouring Finland's and Sweden's historic purposes for NATO membership, and because the battle in Ukraine forces nations in Europe to rethink their safety insurance policies.
Greater than 65% of Denmark's 4.3 million eligible voters are anticipated to vote in favour of dropping the exemption, an opinion ballot printed on Sunday advised.
Nevertheless, analysts' predictions have been extra cautious, given the low voter turnout anticipated in a rustic that has typically stated "no" to extra EU integration, most not too long ago in 2015.
Opting out
Denmark has been an EU member since 1973, however it put the brakes on transferring extra energy to Brussels in 1992 when 50.7 per cent of Danes rejected the Maastricht Treaty, the EU's founding treaty. To be able to persuade Danes to approve the treaty, Copenhagen negotiated a collection of exemptions and it was permitted the next 12 months.
Since then, Denmark has remained outdoors the European single forex, the euro -- which it rejected in a 2000 referendum -- in addition to the bloc's frequent insurance policies on justice and residential affairs, and defence.
The defence opt-out signifies that the Scandinavian nation, a founding member of NATO, doesn't presently take part in EU international coverage the place defence is worried and doesn't contribute troops to EU army missions.
Politicians backing the transfer
Danish voters got a ultimate probability to listen to from political leaders on Tuesday night, throughout a televised reside debate.
"I vote sure tomorrow from the guts," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen informed the viewers. "When there's a battle on our continent, then coming collectively is the perfect reply we may give."
Mai Villadsen, the chief of the Crimson/Inexperienced alliance, nevertheless, disagreed.
"Solely right this moment the EU agreed on a brand new package deal of sanctions in opposition to Russia," Villadsen stated. "I feel now we have proven each within the EU and likewise in Denmark that we stand by the Ukrainian individuals. However that has nothing to do with the defence opt-out, it has nothing to do with Russia and Ukraine."
Frederiksen referred to as the referendum simply two weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and after having reached an settlement with a majority of events in Denmark's parliament, the Folketing. Frederiksen additionally introduced plans to extend Denmark’s defence spending to 2 per cent of gross home product, consistent with NATO membership necessities, by 2033.
Eleven of Denmark's 14 political events have urged voters to say "sure" to dropping the opt-out, representing greater than three-quarters of seats in parliament.
Polls opened at 8:00 am CEST and shut at 8:00 pm, with the ultimate outcomes due round 11:00pm.
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