Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made a decisive call for defense spending to become the European Union’s top priority. She announced Denmark’s exit from the so-called Frugal Four—a group comprising Denmark, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands, known for its budget restraint—in favor of a more “flexible” stance on the EU’s long-term finances.
“As Danes, we will always be tough in the negotiations on the budget. We don’t want money to be spent on (anything) that is not necessary for Europe. So we will be tough, but being a part of the Frugal Four is no longer the right place for us,” Frederiksen said on Tuesday, June 3rd, speaking alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
With Denmark assuming the rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1st, Frederiksen made clear her government is ready to lead in shaping a defense-first Europe. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed Denmark’s evolving position but stressed the need for a balanced budget strategy.
“All other priorities and all other principles” should come only after the bloc settles its rearmament plan, the Danish PM said.
“For me, the most important thing is to rearm Europe. That’s my starting point, and that’s my conclusion in all discussions. Because if Europe is not able to protect ourselves and to defend ourselves, then it’s game over at some point,” she added. “So rearming Europe is for me number one.”
