Tale til Tænketanken Europas årskonference 18. juni 2025
Thank you.
It is good to join you again.
And thank you, Lykke, for hosting us today.
You and I – and many others in here – are the same generation.
OK, Lykke you are younger than I am… A few years…
But we are shaped by the same event in Europe. 1989. The fall of the Berlin Wall.
We lived the first third of our lives in the shadow of the Wall.
The next third in the sunshine of its fall, with peace, freedom, and globalisation.
The final third will be different… It already is.
But still, I am hopeful.
Why?
Because we are already seeing a Europe that is coming together.
But let us be clear: standing together is not enough.
We must ask ourselves — what are we standing together for?
That is why we need a vibrant, open debate about Europe’s purpose, its values, and its future.
What Europe is – and what Europe should be.
And Think Tank Europa is doing its job here – shaping our discussions on the EU.
Today’s conference is a clear example of exactly that.
You have had more than 15,000 citations in Danish media since your establishment in 2014.
That is a testament to your dedication, no doubt.
But you also have the momentum of the moment on your side.
We are seeing a growing interest – from both the public and the media – to engage in the conversation about Europe.
And thanks to your work, that conversation is more informed, more nuanced, and more impactful.
Thank you for that.
To the surprise of no one here, Denmark will take over the EU Presidency in less than two weeks.
So, let us turn to the more difficult part – what Europe must stand together for.
Our EU Presidency is taking place on the backdrop of increased geopolitical turmoil.
Still, I do believe that the current situation can be a catalyst for Europe stepping up.
A positive side effect of the new course steered by the U.S. is that we, in Europe, have finally understood the seriousness of the situation.
The need to act.
The Danish priorities for our upcoming EU Presidency will be revealed tomorrow.
But with you, I can share what I believe to be among the most important issues:
Security is obviously a top priority.
According to the European Commission, 71 per cent of EU citizens think the EU should improve its ability to produce military equipment.
77 per cent support a shared defence and security policy.
This gives us – European leaders – a mandate to act.
It is in the interest of both Europe and Denmark to support Ukraine in its efforts to negotiate a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
It is also in our own interest that Europe takes more responsibility for its own security.
Europe needs to be able to defend itself by 2030 – at the latest.
And yes, increasing Europe’s defence capacity – while continuing to support Ukraine – will come at a cost.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its member states have provided almost 150 billion euros in support to Ukraine and its people.
That is a significant amount, but still less than a fraction of the total GDP of the EU’s member states.
We can – and should – do more to support Ukraine, now and in the long term.
And as we work to strengthen Europe’s defence, we must also remember why we are doing it:
We act for the sake of our own security.
Not to undermine transatlantic relations, but to strengthen them.
The United States remains key to European security, and to NATO.
To ensure our collective security and defence, we must lift a larger share of the burden.
Security is not just about rebuilding military strength.
It is also about building partnerships.
About EU competitiveness.
It is about building a strong and resilient economy.
It is about ensuring a green transition that drives growth.
Strengthening competitiveness while ensuring the green transition will also be at the top of the agenda for the Danish EU Presidency.
According to the Draghi report, the EU must increase its annual investments by 750-800 billion Euro.
That is around to 4-5 per cent of EU GDP.
That is truly massive.
Large investments are necessary.
Because in Europe, as it is, we are too slow.
In 2008, the EU’s economy was as large as the USA’s. Today, the US economy is one and a half times the size of the EU.
In 2008, the EU’s economy was three and half times the size of China. Today, the two economies are almost the same size.
Our part of the world is becoming smaller in relative terms.
This economic shift has happened over a relatively short period – and it has far-reaching consequences.
China is already today the largest trading partner for large parts of the world.
Latin America. Africa. Asia.
China is also a leader in many new technologies.
Batteries. Solar panels. Electric cars.
The Chinese are investing significant resources in developing quantum and AI technology.
When I was in China recently, I saw just how fast things are moving.
And I am genuinely concerned about whether Europe can keep up.
In many areas, the EU is still hampered by 27 different sets of regulations. And much EU funding is still handled differently in different countries.
We are entangled in red tape.
That needs to change.
We need to look to new markets and diversify our imports and exports so that we become less dependent on individual countries.
We need to expand the EU’s network of trade agreements – accelerate negotiations and get agreements over the finishing line.
And we must make even better use of Europe’s single market.
If European countries trade just 2.4 per cent more with each other, it can offset a 20 per cent drop in trade between Europe and the United States.
Trade within Europe is ten times greater than trade with the U.S.
What we risk losing externally, we can make up for internally.
To sum up: The main themes of our presidency are to take greater responsibility for our own security – and to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and green transition.
Denmark will use the presidency to deliver on these issues.
Well, within limits, of course. Because, after all, there are some limits to what a presidency can deliver. Even a Danish presidency...
We have grown closer together – not only within the EU, but also across the Nordic region. Next year, we will hold the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Many of the priorities from our EU Presidency will carry over into our Nordic cooperation.
The Nordic countries can lead the way and act as a driving force.
As the world’s 12th largest economy, the Nordic region has both the scale and the responsibility to contribute.
So, I remain optimistic.
I do not believe in the doomsday stories about a Europe relegated to history and tourism.
I believe in the innovative and creative skills of the Europeans.
But to meet the challenges, we need to challenge ourselves.
We cannot expect to stay ahead without effort.
The EU has proven itself before: During the financial crisis, Brexit, COVID, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A strategic agenda has been set.
Now we need to act with decisiveness again.
Thank you!