Denmark stepped up to bat for Ukraine during a major meeting on Thursday. The country promised to fight hard for Ukrainian membership in the European Union. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the city of Aarhus. She declared that Europe must make Ukraine stronger and Russia weaker. The meeting marked the start of Denmark's six-month leadership of the EU.
Ukraine applied to join the European Union after Russia attacked in 2022. Hungary has been blocking the membership process with its veto power. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes Ukrainian membership would destroy the 27-nation group. Danish officials said they are working behind the scenes to change Hungary's mind. Europe minister Marie Bjerre called Ukraine's membership bid very important for Denmark.
The meeting happened as America announced it would stop sending some weapons to Ukraine. President Donald Trump also blocked Ukraine from joining NATO. Russian attacks have gotten worse without progress toward ending the war. Frederiksen said Ukraine is essential to European security and belongs in the EU. She promised Denmark would do everything possible to help Ukraine become a member.
Denmark wants Europe to spend more money on defense. The country already spends more than three percent of its national income on military needs. Danish leaders presented a plan in March to boost EU defense capabilities. They want to use simplified procedures and loans to finance European defense industry investments. The Nordic nation has repeatedly called for increased European defense spending.
Ukraine applied to join the European Union after Russia attacked in 2022. Hungary has been blocking the membership process with its veto power. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes Ukrainian membership would destroy the 27-nation group. Danish officials said they are working behind the scenes to change Hungary's mind. Europe minister Marie Bjerre called Ukraine's membership bid very important for Denmark.
The meeting happened as America announced it would stop sending some weapons to Ukraine. President Donald Trump also blocked Ukraine from joining NATO. Russian attacks have gotten worse without progress toward ending the war. Frederiksen said Ukraine is essential to European security and belongs in the EU. She promised Denmark would do everything possible to help Ukraine become a member.
Denmark wants Europe to spend more money on defense. The country already spends more than three percent of its national income on military needs. Danish leaders presented a plan in March to boost EU defense capabilities. They want to use simplified procedures and loans to finance European defense industry investments. The Nordic nation has repeatedly called for increased European defense spending.
