The future of the EU

Tariff was in focus as Denmark takes over as EU leader

On Tuesday, Denmark will take over the presidency of the EU Council of Ministers. Concerns about a tariff war and disputes over the Union's climate policy are expected to be some of the challenges for the country, writes TT.

The presidency rotates between member states every six months, something that Euronews calls "a tough challenge".

- Europe is at a crucial stage, says Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in her welcome message.

Denmark will take over the leadership from Poland, whose time as the presidency has been marked by complex and sensitive debates.

- Good luck, says Radoslaw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, at a press conference for the handover of the EU presidency.

Analysis: Mette Frederiksen takes her "tough love" to the EU

When Denmark takes over as the EU Council of Ministers presidency today, it is in a situation of geopolitical uncertainty. The EU needs to prepare for "tough love" from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, writes Politico's Nicholas Vinocur in an analysis.

The Social Democrat has pursued a hard line on migration issues. Now she gets a chance to “test drive” her ideas further. Among other things, she can try to get the EU to move forward in discussions about reception centers outside the EU, where migrants can be placed while awaiting an asylum decision.

Berlingskes' Europe correspondent Julie Schneider writes in an analysis that it has been 13 years since Denmark last held the presidency.

"Denmark is closer to the heart of Europe than ever before," writes Schneider.

It is a turn that was difficult to predict a few years ago, when Frederiksen was considered one of the most Eurosceptic prime ministers Denmark has ever had, she notes. The coronavirus pandemic, a war in Europe's backyard and the US's declining support for Europe are cited as reasons for the rapprochement.
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