Part of a series of events organised at the European Parliamentary Association, “Days of Denmark” highlighted two key priorities of the EU and the Council of Europe: defending democracy and addressing Russia’s war against Ukraine.
At a time when Russian drones have violated the airspace of several EU countries, it is increasingly urgent to reinforce Europe’s security. The EU is pushing forward with new defence projects, including the concept of a “drone wall”, while continuing to provide vital economic, military, humanitarian and legal support to Ukraine. However, beyond immediate defence and solidarity, there are also broader issues at stake, such as accountability for war crimes, reconstruction, the protection of children, and ensuring that Ukraine’s path towards EU membership remains credible.
Villy Søvndal, Member of the European Parliament (Greens/EFA, Denmark) and Ambassador Michael Aastrup Jensen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the Council of Europe brought experience from politics and diplomacy to a discussion on how EU and the Council of Europe can combine their strengths in defence, justice and human rights to secure Ukraine’s – and Europe’s – future.
“As Russia’s aggression continues to test Europe’s security, our response must be both immediate and lasting. The EU and the Council of Europe can join forces to strengthen Ukraine’s defence while also delivering justice, protecting the most vulnerable, and ensuring accountability. Supporting Ukraine is not only solidarity with a partner. It is an investment in Europe’s own security and democratic future,” said Ambassador Michael Aastrup Jensen.
Ambassador Aastrup Jensen emphasised the complementarity of the Council of Europe New Democratic Pact for Europe, initiated by the Secretary General:
“The EU brings financial capacity, and the Council of Europe brings the expertise and standards to make that support effective. At the same time, member states must step up their direct contributions as well. Denmark is the largest contributor to Ukraine per capita, and we believe the bilateral track should be strengthened alongside the multilateral.”
The three-day event (21-23 October), was part of the Danish EU Presidency, organised by the European Parliamentary Association and the Danish Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe, supported by the City of Strasbourg, the Collectivité européenne d'Alsace, the Région Grand Est and the Préfecture de la Région Grand Est.
