Denmark has just become the 27th member state of the European Defence Agency (EDA). 

The Head of the Agency, Josep Borrell, received an official notification from the acting Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, that Denmark will join EDA, which was set up in 2004 to support European defence cooperation. 

Following the conclusion of Danish parliamentary proceedings, the decision is the result of Denmark’s historic national referendum to lift its opt-out on European defence in June 2022. 

Danish participation in EDA broadens membership of the Agency to all EU Member-States. Joining EDA, Denmark is a strong boost for European defence cooperation and allows full Danish participation in all Agency projects, activities and working groups.

Denmark’s acting Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, said: “Europe must take greater responsibility for our own security and Denmark must participate fully in the cooperation. We are now a step closer to our membership in the European Defence Agency. 

The Defence Agency plays a special role in supporting the member-states cooperation and we look forward to contributing to this. The international order is changing rapidly and democratic values are under pressure. Ukraine continues to need massive support from allies, including ammunition, to resist Russian aggression.”

EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý said: “Today, the European Defence Agency becomes whole. I am delighted to welcome Denmark as a Member-State of EDA following its referendum and parliamentary decision. 

At a time when war has returned to Europe, defence cooperation matters more than ever. Denmark can now benefit from EDA’s expertise and join projects and programmes to further its defence ambitions.”

Also read: European Sky Shield Initiative | Denmark and Sweden: the new members of the German air defence initiative