Denmark & EU

Following a binding referendum on 2 October 1972 Denmark as the first Nordic country acceded to the European Community (EC) on 1 January 1973. 63,3% of the Danish population voted in favour and 36,7 against membership of the EC. Greenland joined the EC together with Denmark, whereas the Faroe Islands decided to stay outside the Community. In 1982 Greenland decided to leave the EC.

Already in 1961 and 1967 Denmark together with Great Britain, Norway and Ireland applied for membership, but the then French president Charles de Gaulle vetoed British membership, and Denmark did not wish to enter the EC without Great Britain. On 1 January 1973 both Denmark, Ireland and Great Britain entered the EC.

Further information:  

• The future of Europe
  In Denmark the European Affairs Committee of the Folketing has had the main responsibility for organizing the EU-debate in the reflection pause.
  
• Denmark and the Treaty of Lisbon
  Denmark has ratified the Treaty of Lisbon through the passing of a regular bill in the Danish Parliament, the Folketing, 24 April 2008 and the signing of the bill by the Danish Head of State Queen Margrethe II.
  
• Scrutiny pages
  The Danish Parliament national scrutiny pages. The scrutiny page contains all relevant documents concerning the Commission's proposals from the Danish Government and Parliament.
  
• EU issues in the Folketing
  The European Affairs Committee of the Folketing plays a central role in Danish EU policy.
  
• Danish EU priorities
  Political agreement regarding Denmark in the enlarged EU.
  
• Danish EU referenda
  Denmark has held six referenda about EU. Find information and results here.
  
• The Danish opt-outs
  Denmark has four opt-outs from participation in EU policies.
  
• Danish EU presidencies
  Six Danish EU presidencies since 1973.
  
• Free movement of labour
  Agreement concerning access to the Danish labour marked for workers from the new EU member states.
  
• Supreme Court Judgment
  The Danish Supreme Court's judgement of 6th April 1998 confirming that Denmark's membership of EU as regulated by the Maastricht Treaty is not a violation of the Danish Constitution.
  
• Publications and leaflets
  Link to publications and leaflets in English and French concerning Denmark in EU.