Welcoming the Danish Prime Minister, EP President Metsola said Denmark assumes the Presidency at a critical moment, and the presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’ captures exactly what is needed. President Metsola said Denmark is well placed to lead Europe by example and said that Parliament is ready to cooperate across all issues, while highlighting the particular importance of the upcoming EU long-term budget.

Prime Minister Frederiksen said the EU is facing the greatest international challenges the world has experienced since the 1940s, geopolitical and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict.

She said that Europe must take responsibility for its own security by investing more and strengthening its defence industry so that by 2030 the EU will be able to defend itself. To face the military threat from Russia, Europe must also continue to support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. The Prime Minister stressed the EU’s support for Ukraine is not charity but also benefits the EU’s own defence. On migration she said citizens expect Europe to find new solutions and stressed the need to strengthen the EU’s external borders, lower the influx of migrants, and make returns easier and more efficient.

Ms Frederiksen added that a competitive and green Europe is becoming a top priority for all as Europe falls behind globally. On the climate change and biodiversity crisis she said Europe must continue pushing for a global green transition and that an ambitious EU 2040 climate target needs to be agreed quickly to show global leadership and predictability for companies. On the EU’s next long-term budget, she was in favour of making it more flexible, simplified, better equipped to deal with unforeseen events, and more focused on EU political priorities.

In their interventions, many MEPs welcomed the focus of the Danish presidency on defence and competiveness. Europe must strengthen its defence industry and cooperation with its allies, several MEPs added. Some MEPs demanded the implementation of the Draghi report and said it should be easier for small and medium sized businesses to grow.

The next long-term budget must be fair and focused on people’s needs, several MEPs added. The Danish presidency should speed up the green transition and work towards agreeing on the 2040 climate target announced by the Commission.

A number of MEPs called for more efforts to tackle illegal migration, and some stressed the necessity of helping those in need arriving in Europe, while others called for permanent border controls.

You can watch the debate again here.