On 3 July, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed the President of the European Council António Costa, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Aarhus.
As part of the events marking the start of Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, they discussed how the Danish EU Presidency could support Ukraine, amongst others the country’s path to EU membership.
“Ukraine belongs in the European Union. It is in both Denmark’s and Europe’s interest. Therefore, the Danish EU Presidency will do everything we can to help Ukraine on their way towards EU membership,” said Prime Minister Frederiksen.
“We can count on the Danish Presidency to push forward the negotiations with Ukraine, and also Moldova, and the six Western Balkan countries,” President of the European Council, António Costa said.
Increased military support, cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry, and new sanctions against Russia were also on the agenda.
“We must strengthen Ukraine. And we must weaken Russia. The former by increasing military support. Ukraine is essential to Europe’s security. Our contribution to Ukraine is also a protection of our freedom. The latter, we will achieve with sanctions. We must increase pressure on Russia,” said Mette Frederiksen.
Addressing the Danish Prime Minister, von der Leyen said: “As the first achievement of your Presidency, you can bring the 18th package to the finish line.” She also said that it was an eye-opener to hear Russia’s Minister of Economic Development saying that Russia is on the brink of recession: “The interest rate is at 20%. Inflation is at 10%. And Russia’s overheated war economy is coming to its limits. So it is important for us to increase the pressure so he comes to the negotiation table.”
António Costa praised Denmark for being “a leader on European security”.
“It is setting an example in its steadfast support for Ukraine. Militarily and financially, on reconstruction, and boosting the Ukrainian defence industry with direct procurement, under the so-called ‘Danish model’,” Costa said.
As part of the events marking the start of Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, the President of Ukraine was also received for an audience by His Majesty the King of Denmark Frederik André Henrik Christian. They discussed patronage of war-affected regions, cooperation in military medicine, and veteran support projects.
