2022 Danish European Union opt-out referendum
{{Short description|Referendum on abolition of the Danish opt-out of the defence section of the Treaty of Maastricht}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox referendum
| name = Danish European Union opt-out referendum
| country = Denmark
| date = {{start date|2022|06|01|df=y}}
| title = Do you vote yes or no on Denmark being able to participate in the European defence and security co-operation by abolishing the EU defence opt-out?
| yes = 1,848,242
| no = 915,717
| invalid = 38,558
| total = 2,802,517
| electorate = 4,260,944
| map = {{Switcher
| 300px
| Result in each polling area.
| 300px
| Result in each nomination district and constituency.
}}
| map_caption = Results of the referendum
Yes: {{legend0|#B6C8D9|50–55%}} {{legend0|#7D9CBB|55–60%}} {{legend0|#47729E|60–65%}} {{legend0|#28497C|65–70%}} {{legend0|#28497C|70–75%}} {{legend0|#201B3C|75–80%}} {{legend0|#0F0B23|80%+}}
No: {{legend0|#DEDEBD|50–55%}} {{legend0|#BCBC83|55–60%}} {{legend0|#8B8B54|60–65%}}
| map_size =300px
}}
A referendum on the abolition of the defence opt-out, one of the country's opt-outs from the European Union, was held in Denmark on 1 June 2022.{{cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=Danskerne skal stemme om forsvarsforbeholdet 1. juni |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-06-danskerne-skal-stemme-om-forsvarsforbeholdet-1-juni |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=TV2 |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306181337/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-06-danskerne-skal-stemme-om-forsvarsforbeholdet-1-juni |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=30 March 2022 |title=Endeligt udkast til forslag til Lov om Danmarks deltagelse i det europæiske samarbejde om sikkerhed og forsvar |url=https://prodstoragehoeringspo.blob.core.windows.net/0dba5221-5508-44ed-a16c-a3ab47294cff/Endeligt%20udkast%20til%20forslag%20til%20Lov%20om%20afholdelse%20af%20folkeafstemning%20om%20forslag%20til%20lov%20om%20Danmarks%20deltagelse%20i%20det%20europ%C3%A6iske%20samarbejde%20om%20sikkerhed%20og%20forsvar_fin_300322.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331223107/https://prodstoragehoeringspo.blob.core.windows.net/0dba5221-5508-44ed-a16c-a3ab47294cff/Endeligt%20udkast%20til%20forslag%20til%20Lov%20om%20afholdelse%20af%20folkeafstemning%20om%20forslag%20til%20lov%20om%20Danmarks%20deltagelse%20i%20det%20europ%C3%A6iske%20samarbejde%20om%20sikkerhed%20og%20forsvar_fin_300322.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022}}{{efn|The vote did not take place on the Faroe Islands or Greenland, which are not part of the European Union. See Faroe Islands and the European Union, Greenland and the European Union, and withdrawal of Greenland from the European Communities for details.}} The referendum was announced on 6 March 2022 following a broad multi-party defence agreement reached during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |date=6 March 2022 |title=Nationalt kompromis om dansk sikkerhedspolitik |trans-title=National compromise on Danish security policy |url=https://www.regeringen.dk/media/11124/nationalt-kompromis-om-dansk-sikkerhedspolitik.pdf |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=Regeringen |language=da |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306224759/https://www.regeringen.dk/media/11124/nationalt-kompromis-om-dansk-sikkerhedspolitik.pdf |url-status=live }} The referendum was approved with the "Yes" side securing approximately two-thirds of the vote.{{cite web |title=Resultater – Folkeafstemning onsdag 1. juni 2022 – Danmarks Statistik |url=https://dst.dk/valg/Valg1962294/valgopg/valgopg.htm |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=dst.dk |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601202025/https://dst.dk/valg/Valg1962294/valgopg/valgopg.htm |url-status=live }}
Background
After the rejection of the Maastricht Treaty in the 1992 referendum, the Edinburgh Agreement was reached, granting Denmark four opt-outs from European Union (EU) policies, including one on defence matters. This compromise allowed Denmark to ratify the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. The defence opt-out meant that Denmark did not participate in the Common Security and Defence Policy or EU military operations.{{cite web |title=Danmark og EU |url=https://www.fmn.dk/da/arbejdsomraader/internationalt-samarbejde/eu/ |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=Forsvarsministeriet |language=da |archive-date=2022-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319190831/https://www.fmn.dk/da/arbejdsomraader/internationalt-samarbejde/eu/ |url-status=live }} In addition, the opt-out excluded Denmark from decision-making processes in the EU related to military operations.{{cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=Hvad betyder det, om det bliver et ja eller et nej til forsvarsforbeholdet? – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-06-hvad-betyder-det-om-det-bliver-et-ja-eller-et-nej-til-forsvarsforbeholdet |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=TV2 |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308053700/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-06-hvad-betyder-det-om-det-bliver-et-ja-eller-et-nej-til-forsvarsforbeholdet |url-status=live }}
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sent shockwaves across Europe, prompting countries to reassess their security and defense strategies.{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=German |date=2022-03-13 |title=Europe Awakens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/13/briefing/russia-ukraine-war-europe-superpower.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Gruyter |first=Caroline de |date=2025-03-06 |title=Putin’s War Is Europe’s 9/11 |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/28/putins-war-ukraine-europe-hard-power/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}} In response, the Danish government, under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, reconsidered Denmark’s longstanding opt-out from EU defense cooperation.{{Cite news |date=2022-06-01 |title=Denmark prepares to vote in referendum on participating in European defense |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/06/01/denmark-prepares-to-vote-in-referendum-on-participating-in-european-defense_5985273_4.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Denmark votes to scrap EU defense opt-out |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/denmark-votes-to-scrap-eu-defense-policy-opt-out/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB}} The government and EU officials viewed Denmark's potential alignment with EU defense policies as essential for strengthening Europe’s security framework.{{Cite web |title=The war in Ukraine and its repercussions on Europe’s “security and defence constitution” |url=https://constitutionnet.org/news/war-in-ukraine-repercussions-europe |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=ConstitutionNet |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Denmark: Statement by the High Representative on the outcome of the referendum on the opt-out in defence matters {{!}} EEAS |url=https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/denmark-statement-high-representative-outcome-referendum-opt-out-defence-matters_en |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=www.eeas.europa.eu |language=en}} Less than two weeks after Russia's invasion, Frederiksen called for a referendum to abolish the defense opt-out, marking what was seen as a decisive shift in Denmark's defense policy.{{Cite news |last=Henley |first=Jon |date=2022-06-01 |title=Denmark votes overwhelmingly to join EU’s common defence policy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/01/denmark-votes-on-joining-eus-common-defence-policy |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |date=2022-05-31 |title=Denmark votes to drop EU defence opt-out in 'historic' referendum |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61644663 |access-date=2025-03-06 |language=en-GB}}
This was the third referendum held on Denmark's EU opt-outs. In 2000, the Danish electorate rejected the adoption of the euro as national currency, and in 2015, a proposal to modify the justice opt-out was also rejected.
For a referendum to be rejected, a majority of participating voters must vote against it, and those voting against must constitute at least 30% of the total electorate. However, the parties supporting the defence agreement agreed that the result would be respected regardless of voter turnout.{{cite web |date=30 March 2022 |title=Endeligt udkast til forslag til Lov om Danmarks deltagelse i det europæiske samarbejde om sikkerhed og forsvar |url=https://prodstoragehoeringspo.blob.core.windows.net/0dba5221-5508-44ed-a16c-a3ab47294cff/Endeligt%20udkast%20til%20forslag%20til%20Lov%20om%20afholdelse%20af%20folkeafstemning%20om%20forslag%20til%20lov%20om%20Danmarks%20deltagelse%20i%20det%20europ%C3%A6iske%20samarbejde%20om%20sikkerhed%20og%20forsvar_fin_300322.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331223107/https://prodstoragehoeringspo.blob.core.windows.net/0dba5221-5508-44ed-a16c-a3ab47294cff/Endeligt%20udkast%20til%20forslag%20til%20Lov%20om%20afholdelse%20af%20folkeafstemning%20om%20forslag%20til%20lov%20om%20Danmarks%20deltagelse%20i%20det%20europ%C3%A6iske%20samarbejde%20om%20sikkerhed%20og%20forsvar_fin_300322.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |page=7}}
Campaign
File:AAL Folkeafstemningsplakater Ja Nej Nytorv 20220602 203144 ubt.jpg in Ålborg, North Jutland]]
The defence agreement was signed and presented by the leaders of the Social Democrats, Venstre, Socialist People's Party, Social Liberal Party, and the Conservative People's Party.{{cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=Forsvarsforbeholdet skal til folkeafstemning 1. juni, og Forsvaret skal styrkes |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/forsvarsforbeholdet-skal-til-folkeafstemning-1-juni-og-forsvaret-skal-styrkes |access-date=2022-03-08 |publisher=DR |language=da |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308053658/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/forsvarsforbeholdet-skal-til-folkeafstemning-1-juni-og-forsvaret-skal-styrkes |url-status=live }} The parties supporting the agreement also backed measures to increase defence spending and reduce Denmark's reliance on Russian gas. The Liberal Alliance and the Christian Democrats also endorsed the "Yes" option,{{cite web |date=2022-03-08 |title=Her er de stærkeste argumenter for og imod forsvarsforbeholdet – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-08-her-er-de-staerkeste-argumenter-for-og-imod-forsvarsforbeholdet |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=TV2 |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308050612/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-08-her-er-de-staerkeste-argumenter-for-og-imod-forsvarsforbeholdet |url-status=live }} while the Independent Greens voted in favor but did not issued a recommendation to voters.{{cite web | title=Vi stemmer JA – Hvad stemmer du? | publisher=Independent Greens | date=11 May 2022 | url=https://friegronne.dk/vi-stemmer-ja-hvad-stemmer-du/ | access-date=1 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512090205/https://friegronne.dk/vi-stemmer-ja-hvad-stemmer-du/ | archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-status=live}} Opposing the abolition of the opt-out, the Danish People's Party, New Right, Young Conservatives and the Red–Green Alliance endorsed the vote "No".
| class="wikitable" style="float:right;
!Position ! colspan="2" |Political parties |
| rowspan="7" |Yes
| bgcolor="{{party color|Social Democrats (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Venstre (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Green Left (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Liberal Alliance (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Conservative People's Party (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Danish Social Liberal Party}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Christian Democrats (Denmark)}}" | |
| rowspan="3" |No
| bgcolor="{{party color|Red–Green Alliance (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|New Right (Denmark)}}" | |
| bgcolor="{{party color|Danish People's Party}}" | |
| rowspan="1" |Neutral
| bgcolor="{{party color|Independent Greens (Denmark)}}" | |
On 30 March, the Danish Foreign Ministry released two bills (draft laws) for organising the referendum and joining the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).{{cite web |title=Høring om to lovforslag vedrørende folkeafstemning om Danmarks deltagelse i det europæiske samarbejde om sikkerhed og forsvar |url=https://via.ritzau.dk/embedded/release/horing-om-to-lovforslag-vedrorende-folkeafstemning-om-danmarks-deltagelse-i-det-europaeiske-samarbejde-om-sikkerhed-og-forsvar?publisherId=2012662&releaseId=13647744 |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=via.ritzau.dk |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331194521/https://via.ritzau.dk/embedded/release/horing-om-to-lovforslag-vedrorende-folkeafstemning-om-danmarks-deltagelse-i-det-europaeiske-samarbejde-om-sikkerhed-og-forsvar?publisherId=2012662&releaseId=13647744 |url-status=live }} Following this, the wording of the referendum question, which did not mention the European Union nor the opt-out,{{efn|Do you vote for or against Denmark's participation in the European defence and security co-operation?
Danish: Stemmer du ja eller nej til, at Danmark kan deltage i det europæiske samarbejde om sikkerhed og forsvar? (Forslag til lov om Danmarks deltagelse i det europæiske samarbejde om sikkerhed og forsvar)}} was criticised by the Danish People's Party and the Red-Green Alliance.{{cite web |date=2022-03-30 |title=Formulering på stemmeseddel ved folkeafstemning minder om direkte snyderi, mener Enhedslisten – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-30-formulering-pa-stemmeseddel-ved-folkeafstemning-minder-om-direkte-snyderi-mener |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331075228/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-30-formulering-pa-stemmeseddel-ved-folkeafstemning-minder-om-direkte-snyderi-mener |url-status=live }} Jeppe Kofod, Denmark's Foreign Minister, defended the original wording, emphasising that the vote was about aligning Denmark with the other 26 EU member states. However, following the criticism, Kofod announced a revised wording on 7 April, which read: "Do you vote for or against Denmark's participation in the European defence and security co-operation by abolishing the EU defence opt-out?"{{cite web |date=2022-04-07 |title=Ordlyden på stemmesedlen om forsvarsforbeholdet ændres – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-04-07-ordlyden-paa-stemmesedlen-om-forsvarsforbeholdet-aendres |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407135315/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-04-07-ordlyden-paa-stemmesedlen-om-forsvarsforbeholdet-aendres |url-status=live }}
There were concerns that eliminating the opt-out and participating in the CSDP could eventually lead to Denmark having to join a future European army if one were created. Foreign Minister Kofod committed that any such change would require treaty revisions, which would require approval by the Danish people in a new referendum.{{cite web|url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/kofod-forsoeger-berolige-eu-skeptikere-lover-ny-afstemning-hvis-faelles-eu-haer|title=Kofod forsøger at berolige EU-skeptikere: Lover ny afstemning, hvis fælles EU-hær bliver realitet|date=2022-04-20|accessdate=2022-04-30|publisher=DR|archive-date=2022-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430141239/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/kofod-forsoeger-berolige-eu-skeptikere-lover-ny-afstemning-hvis-faelles-eu-haer|url-status=live}}
= Television debates =
Four major television debates involving the leaders of parties represented in the Folketing were held.{{cite web |date=2022-05-05 |title=Sådan dækker DR folkeafstemningen om forsvarsforbeholdet |url=https://www.dr.dk/om-dr/nyheder/saadan-daekker-dr-folkeafstemningen-om-forsvarsforbeholdet |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=DR |language=da |archive-date=2022-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529073336/https://www.dr.dk/om-dr/nyheder/saadan-daekker-dr-folkeafstemningen-om-forsvarsforbeholdet |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Folkeafstemning om forsvarsforbeholdet: TV 2 NEWS og Radio4 samler politikere og eksperter til stor debat i Aarhus |url=https://omtv2.tv2.dk/nyheder/2022/05/folkeafstemning-om-forsvarsforbeholdet-tv-2-news-og-radio4-samler-politikere-og-eksperter-til-stor-debat-i-aarhus/ |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=omtv2.tv2.dk |language=da |archive-date=2022-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529073334/https://omtv2.tv2.dk/nyheder/2022/05/folkeafstemning-om-forsvarsforbeholdet-tv-2-news-og-radio4-samler-politikere-og-eksperter-til-stor-debat-i-aarhus/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Ja eller nej til forsvarsforbeholdet? TV 2 skruer op for dækningen på alle platforme |url=https://omtv2.tv2.dk/nyheder/2022/05/ja-eller-nej-til-forsvarsforbeholdet-tv-2-skruer-op-for-daekningen-paa-alle-platforme/ |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=omtv2.tv2.dk |language=da |archive-date=2022-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610213638/https://omtv2.tv2.dk/nyheder/2022/05/ja-eller-nej-til-forsvarsforbeholdet-tv-2-skruer-op-for-daekningen-paa-alle-platforme/ |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable" style="text-justify: none" |
| style="font-size:small;"
! rowspan="4" | Date ! rowspan="4" | Organisers ! rowspan="4" | Venue ! colspan="13" scope="col" | {{Colors|black|#90ff90| P }} {{small|Present }}{{Colors|black|#D0F0C0| S }} {{small|Surrogate }}{{Colors|black|#A2B2C2| NI }} {{small|Not invited }} {{Colors|black|#5FC| I }} {{small|Invited }} |
| colspan="10" style="background: rgb(69, 115, 159); color:white; text-align:center;" | Yes
! colspan="3" style="background: rgb(140, 140, 83); color:white; text-align:center;" | No |
|---|
| style="font-size:small;"
! scope="col" |A ! scope="col" |V ! scope="col" |F ! scope="col" |B ! scope="col" |C ! scope="col" |I ! scope="col" |Q ! scope="col" |Å ! scope="col" |K ! scope="col" |M ! scope="col" |Ø ! scope="col" |O ! scope="col" |D |
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! style="width:6.5em; background:#002883;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#E07EA8;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#733280;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#004931;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#3FB2BE;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#5ABE82;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#0f0;"| ! style="width:6.5em; background:#B1A269;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#4d6fb2;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#E6801A;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#FCD03B;" | ! style="width:6.5em; background:#127B7F;" | |
| 11 May{{cite web |date=2022-05-11 |title=MINUT FOR MINUT: Sådan gik det, da partilederne tørnede sammen om forsvarsforbeholdet |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/live-nu-debatterer-partilederne-forsvarsforbeholdet |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=DR |language=da |archive-date=2022-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512180819/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/live-nu-debatterer-partilederne-forsvarsforbeholdet |url-status=live }}
|DR1 | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P |
| 18 May
| style="background:#D0F0C0; color:black; text-align:center;" | S | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#A2B2C2; color:black; text-align:center;" |NI |
| 29 May{{cite web |date=2022-05-29 |title=Bølgerne gik højt i EU-debat – her er fem nedslag – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-05-29-boelgerne-gik-hoejt-i-eu-debat-her-er-fem-nedslag |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530172519/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-05-29-boelgerne-gik-hoejt-i-eu-debat-her-er-fem-nedslag |url-status=live }}
|TV2 | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P |
| 31 May
| DR1 | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P | style="background:#9EFF9E; color:black; text-align:center;" | P |
Opinion polls
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;font-size:85%;line-height:14px" |
| Date(s)
!Polling agency !Sample ! class="unsortable" style="background: rgb(69, 115, 159); width: 100px; colour: white;" |{{white|Yes}} ! class="unsortable" style="background: rgb(140, 140, 83); width: 100px; colour: white;" |{{White|No}} ! class="unsortable" style="background:gray; width:90px; colour:white;"|{{White|Undecided}} ! class="unsortable" style="width: 80px;" |Lead |
|---|
| 30 May 2022
|[https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/folkeafstemning/sidste-maaling-inden-afstemning-stadig-flere-vaelgere-vil-af-med Epinion] | |44% |28% |19% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |16% |
| 27–30 May 2022
|[https://nyheder.tv2.dk/2022-05-30-ny-maaling-viser-klart-resultat-kort-foer-afstemning Voxmeter] |1,091 |53% |28% |19% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |25% |
| 23{{ndash}}27 May 2022
|[https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-05-29-ny-maaling-tegner-klart-billede-faa-dage-foer-folkeafstemningen Voxmeter] |2,008 |51% |27% |22% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |24% |
| 16{{ndash}}22 May 2022
|[https://twitter.com/Annamidtgaard/status/1529063292156657665 Voxmeter] | |45.5% |30% |24.6% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |15.5% |
| 9 May 2022
|[https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/folkeafstemning/ja-siden-holder-fast-i-forspring-men-nu-begynder-valgkampen-alvor Epinion] | |38% |27% |35% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |11% |
| 6 May 2022
|[https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-05-06-ny-maaling-viser-stor-tvivl-hos-mange-foer-historisk-valg-det-gaelder-isaer-to Megafon] |1,009 |39% |26% |35% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |13% |
| 20–27 April 2022
|[https://www.altinget.dk/artikel/trods-klodset-start-paa-kampagnen-fastholder-ja-siden-sin-foering-i-afstemningen-om-forsvarsforbeholdet Epinion] |2,090 |39% |26% |35% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |13% |
| 18–24 April 2022
|[https://piopio.dk/ny-maaling-mange-i-tvivl-om-eu-forbehold Voxmeter] | |39.5% |32.1% |28.4% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |7.4% |
| 4–10 April 2022
|[https://www.berlingske.dk/politik/antallet-af-tvivlere-stiger-foer-folkeafstemning-om-forsvarsforbehold Voxmeter/Ritzau] | |38.8% |32.4% |28.8% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |6.4% |
| 31 March – 7 April 2022
|[https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/folkeafstemning-om-forsvarsforbehold-hver-tredje-er-i-tvivl Epinion] |2,102 |36% |27% |37% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |9% |
| 28 March – 3 April 2022
|[https://ekstrabladet.dk/nyheder/politik/hver-fjerde-er-i-tvivl-om-ja-eller-nej-til-forsvarsforbehold/9204900 Voxmeter/Ritzau] |1,007 |39.2% |35.8% |25% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |3.4% |
| 22–28 March 2022
|[https://piopio.dk/node/20015 Voxmeter] |1,000 |40.3% |35.4% |24.3% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |4.9% |
| 14–20 March 2022
|[https://www.berlingske.dk/politik/tilslutning-til-at-droppe-forsvarsforbehold-daler-hos-danskerne Voxmeter] |1,509 |38.2% |30.9% |30.9% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |7.3% |
| 6–20 March 2022
|[https://jyllands-posten.dk/politik/ECE13830014/ny-meningsmaaling-viser-hvad-vaelgerne-mener-lige-nu-om-at-afskaffe-forsvarsforbeholdet/ Wilke] |1,000 |42% |30% |28% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |12% |
| 8–15 March 2022
|[https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/folkeafstemning-om-forsvarsforbehold-flest-vil-lige-nu-stemme-ja-men-naesten-en Epinion] |1,020 |38% |23% |39% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |15% |
| 7–11 March 2022
|[https://www.tv2lorry.dk/lorryland/ny-maaling-saadan-ville-vi-stemme-om-eu-forsvarsforbeholdet-hvis-der-var-valg-i-dag Voxmeter] |1,509 |44.2% |28.7% |27.1% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |15.5% |
| 7–8 March 2022
|[https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-08-et-flertal-vil-afskaffe-forsvarsforbeholdet-viser-ny-maaling Megafon] |2,054 |55% |23% |22% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |32% |
| colspan="7" |6 March: The government of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces a referendum on the Danish defence opt-out to be held on 1 June. |
| 3–4 March 2022{{Efn|The wording of the question differs from the referendum: "Drop the defence opt-out and join a joint EU army?"}}
|[https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-03-04-halvdelen-af-danskerne-er-klar-til-at-droppe-forsvarsforbeholdet Megafon] |1,092 |49% |27% |23% | style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" |22% |
Results
The result meant that 43.38% of the registered electorate had voted for the proposal, and 21.49% had voted against.
{{Referendum results
|for=1848242
|against=915717
|invalid=5819
|blank=32739
|electorate=4260944
}}
=By constituency=
| class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:right"
!rowspan=2|District !colspan=2|For !colspan=2|Against !rowspan=2|Valid !rowspan=2|Blank !rowspan=2|Invalid !rowspan=2|Total | ||||||||
| Votes
!% !Votes !% | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align=left|Capital Region of Denmark | 581,703 | 69.5% | 254,874 | 30.5% | 836,577 | 10,007 | 1,775 | 848,359 |
| align=left|Copenhagen | 235,847 | 69.4% | 104,221 | 30.6% | 340,068 | 5,108 | 827 | 346,003 |
| align=left|1. Østerbro | 27,096 | 74.1% | 9,467 | 25.9% | 36,563 | 510 | 82 | 37,155 |
| align=left|2. Sundbyvester | 21,591 | 69.7% | 9,395 | 30.3% | 30,986 | 428 | 90 | 31,504 |
| align=left|3. Indre By | 19,612 | 74.5% | 6,710 | 25.5% | 26,322 | 365 | 81 | 26,768 |
| align=left|4. Sundbyøster | 17,135 | 67.9% | 8,100 | 32.1% | 25,235 | 357 | 62 | 25,654 |
| align=left|5. Nørrebro | 22,004 | 65.3% | 11,672 | 34.7% | 33,676 | 715 | 87 | 34,478 |
| align=left|6. Bispebjerg | 12,065 | 60.5% | 7,885 | 39.5% | 19,950 | 400 | 60 | 20,410 |
| align=left|7. Brønshøj | 22,649 | 67.2% | 11,053 | 32.8% | 33,702 | 498 | 82 | 34,282 |
| align=left|8. Valby | 16,844 | 67.8% | 7,987 | 32.2% | 24,831 | 352 | 74 | 25,257 |
| align=left|9. Vesterbro | 22,042 | 69.6% | 9,614 | 30.4% | 31,656 | 570 | 78 | 32,304 |
| align=left|10. Falkoner | 20,180 | 76.7% | 6,126 | 23.3% | 26,306 | 344 | 39 | 26,689 |
| align=left|11. Slots | 17,313 | 72.1% | 6,684 | 27.9% | 23,997 | 327 | 52 | 24,376 |
| align=left|12. Tårnby | 17,316 | 64.5% | 9,528 | 35.5% | 26,844 | 242 | 40 | 27,126 |
| align=left|Greater Copenhagen | 160,842 | 68.1% | 75,490 | 31.9% | 236,342 | 2,407 | 508 | 239,257 |
| align=left|1. Gentofte | 29,382 | 80.2% | 7,268 | 19.8% | 36,650 | 287 | 66 | 37,003 |
| align=left|2. Lyngby | 22,099 | 77.6% | 6,378 | 22.4% | 28,477 | 296 | 53 | 28,826 |
| align=left|3. Gladsaxe | 20,642 | 69.1% | 9,244 | 30.9% | 29,886 | 344 | 52 | 30,282 |
| align=left|4. Rødovre | 18,978 | 64.4% | 10,506 | 35.6% | 29,484 | 343 | 60 | 29,887 |
| align=left|5. Hvidovre | 14,015 | 62.9% | 8,260 | 37.1% | 22,275 | 242 | 24 | 22,541 |
| align=left|6. Brøndby | 16,091 | 60.0% | 10,738 | 40.0% | 26,829 | 233 | 81 | 27,143 |
| align=left|7. Taastrup | 18,831 | 61.8% | 11,625 | 38.2% | 30,456 | 292 | 74 | 30,822 |
| align=left|8. Ballerup | 20,814 | 64.5% | 11,471 | 35.5% | 32,285 | 370 | 98 | 32,753 |
| align=left|North Zealand | 172,177 | 71.8% | 67,611 | 28.2% | 239,788 | 2,176 | 396 | 242,360 |
| align=left|1. Helsingør | 21,396 | 69.3% | 9,488 | 30.7% | 30,884 | 290 | 64 | 31,238 |
| align=left|2. Fredensborg | 25,446 | 75.8% | 8,121 | 24.2% | 33,567 | 247 | 29 | 33,843 |
| align=left|3. Hillerød | 32,921 | 68.2% | 15,334 | 31.8% | 48,255 | 470 | 61 | 48,786 |
| align=left|4. Frederikssund | 24,668 | 63.4% | 14,262 | 36.6% | 38,930 | 404 | 91 | 39,425 |
| align=left|5. Egedal | 32,324 | 73.7% | 11,547 | 26.3% | 43,871 | 407 | 63 | 44,341 |
| align=left|6. Rudersdal | 35,422 | 80.0% | 8,859 | 20.0% | 44,281 | 358 | 88 | 44,727 |
| align=left|Bornholm | 12,827 | 62.9% | 7,552 | 37.1% | 20,379 | 316 | 44 | 20,739 |
| align=left|1. Rønne | 6,390 | 63.3% | 3,699 | 36.7% | 10,089 | 167 | 21 | 10,277 |
| align=left|2. Aakirkeby | 6,437 | 62.6% | 3,853 | 37.4% | 10,290 | 149 | 23 | 10,462 |
| align=left|Region Zealand & Region of Southern Denmark | 646,102 | 64.6% | 354,611 | 35.4% | 1,000,713 | 11,340 | 2,183 | 1,014,236 |
| align=left|Zealand | 265,947 | 64.0% | 149,567 | 36.0% | 415,514 | 4,428 | 837 | 420,779 |
| align=left|1. Lolland | 11,245 | 59.2% | 7,758 | 40.8% | 19,003 | 220 | 63 | 19,286 |
| align=left|2. Guldborgsund | 18,635 | 61.3% | 11,747 | 38.7% | 30,382 | 357 | 82 | 30,821 |
| align=left|3. Vordingborg | 14,973 | 62.8% | 8,879 | 37.2% | 23,852 | 270 | 38 | 24,160 |
| align=left|4. Næstved | 25,668 | 62.5% | 15,394 | 37.5% | 41,062 | 423 | 74 | 41,559 |
| align=left|5. Faxe | 18,740 | 61.7% | 11,640 | 38.3% | 30,380 | 287 | 89 | 30,756 |
| align=left|6. Køge | 29,952 | 66.6% | 15,042 | 33.4% | 44,994 | 537 | 72 | 45,603 |
| align=left|7. Greve | 23,601 | 67.7% | 11,240 | 32.3% | 34,841 | 283 | 55 | 35,179 |
| align=left|8. Roskilde | 32,809 | 72.0% | 12,767 | 28.0% | 45,576 | 521 | 79 | 46,176 |
| align=left|9. Holbæk | 22,771 | 64.2% | 12,704 | 35.8% | 35,475 | 380 | 76 | 35,931 |
| align=left|10. Kalundborg | 24,685 | 60.0% | 16,460 | 40.0% | 41,145 | 423 | 91 | 41,659 |
| align=left|11. Ringsted | 20,232 | 64.0% | 11,385 | 36.0% | 31,617 | 387 | 59 | 32,063 |
| align=left|12. Slagelse | 22,636 | 60.9% | 14,551 | 39.1% | 37,187 | 340 | 59 | 37,586 |
| align=left|Funen | 165,365 | 67.3% | 80,211 | 32.7% | 245,576 | 3,166 | 576 | 249,318 |
| align=left|1. Odense Øst | 20,137 | 66.6% | 10,084 | 33.4% | 30,221 | 473 | 96 | 30,790 |
| align=left|2. Odense Vest | 19,795 | 68.4% | 9,162 | 31.6% | 28,957 | 381 | 71 | 29,409 |
| align=left|3. Odense Syd | 25,484 | 72.6% | 9,600 | 27.4% | 35,084 | 483 | 83 | 35,650 |
| align=left|4. Assens | 13,840 | 66.0% | 7,131 | 34.0% | 20,971 | 237 | 57 | 21,265 |
| align=left|5. Middelfart | 23,544 | 66.0% | 12,125 | 34.0% | 35,669 | 396 | 93 | 36,158 |
| align=left|6. Nyborg | 18,800 | 65.8% | 9,778 | 34.2% | 28,578 | 365 | 48 | 28,991 |
| align=left|7. Svendborg | 23,954 | 65.4% | 12,656 | 34.6% | 36,610 | 473 | 78 | 37,161 |
| align=left|8. Faaborg | 19,811 | 67.2% | 9,675 | 32.8% | 29,486 | 358 | 50 | 29,894 |
| align=left|South Jutland | 214,790 | 63.2% | 124,833 | 36.8% | 339,623 | 3,746 | 770 | 344,139 |
| align=left|1. Sønderborg | 22,352 | 63.5% | 12,853 | 36.5% | 35,205 | 379 | 93 | 35,677 |
| align=left|2. Aabenraa | 16,458 | 61.3% | 10,410 | 38.7% | 26,868 | 277 | 56 | 27,201 |
| align=left|3. Tønder | 10,295 | 60.6% | 6,700 | 39.4% | 16,995 | 217 | 42 | 17,254 |
| align=left|4. Esbjerg By | 16,859 | 59.1% | 11,686 | 40.9% | 28,545 | 289 | 60 | 28,894 |
| align=left|5. Esbjerg Omegn | 16,651 | 63.8% | 9,432 | 36.2% | 26,083 | 258 | 44 | 26,385 |
| align=left|6. Varde | 14,852 | 63.1% | 8,698 | 36.9% | 23,550 | 268 | 64 | 23,882 |
| align=left|7. Vejen | 19,486 | 61.7% | 12,109 | 38.3% | 31,595 | 384 | 78 | 32,057 |
| align=left|8. Vejle Nord | 18,950 | 68.5% | 8,722 | 31.5% | 27,672 | 296 | 78 | 28,046 |
| align=left|9. Vejle Syd | 18,714 | 67.2% | 9,147 | 32.8% | 27,861 | 342 | 75 | 28,278 |
| align=left|10. Fredericia | 15,271 | 62.2% | 9,268 | 37.8% | 24,539 | 276 | 59 | 24,874 |
| align=left|11. Kolding Nord | 13,754 | 67.3% | 6,697 | 32.7% | 20,451 | 203 | 43 | 20,697 |
| align=left|12. Kolding Syd | 14,738 | 63.4% | 8,502 | 36.6% | 23,240 | 257 | 35 | 23,532 |
| align=left|13. Haderslev | 16,410 | 60.7% | 10,609 | 39.3% | 27,019 | 300 | 43 | 27,362 |
| align=left|Central Denmark & North Denmark Regions | 620,437 | 67.0% | 306,232 | 33.0% | 926,669 | 11,392 | 1,861 | 939,922 |
| align=left|East Jutland | 274,182 | 69.5% | 120,265 | 30.5% | 394,447 | 5,175 | 837 | 400,459 |
| align=left|1. Århus Syd | 30,136 | 74.6% | 10,286 | 25.4% | 40,422 | 598 | 101 | 41,121 |
| align=left|2. Århus Vest | 26,101 | 69.6% | 11,390 | 30.4% | 37,491 | 528 | 95 | 38,114 |
| align=left|3. Århus Nord | 29,341 | 71.8% | 11,518 | 28.2% | 40,859 | 719 | 120 | 41,698 |
| align=left|4. Århus Øst | 40,275 | 77.0% | 12,063 | 23.0% | 52,338 | 862 | 132 | 53,332 |
| align=left|5. Djurs | 26,056 | 65.1% | 13,958 | 34.9% | 40,014 | 374 | 71 | 40,459 |
| align=left|6. Randers Nord | 13,466 | 61.5% | 8,435 | 38.5% | 21,901 | 225 | 46 | 22,172 |
| align=left|7. Randers Syd | 15,418 | 64.2% | 8,592 | 35.8% | 24,010 | 243 | 42 | 24,295 |
| align=left|8. Favrskov | 17,104 | 69.4% | 7,527 | 30.6% | 24,631 | 257 | 43 | 24,931 |
| align=left|9. Skanderborg | 34,031 | 72.0% | 13,214 | 28.0% | 47,245 | 576 | 53 | 47,874 |
| align=left|10. Horsens | 27,296 | 64.7% | 14,887 | 35.3% | 42,183 | 479 | 93 | 42,755 |
| align=left|11. Hedensted | 14,958 | 64.1% | 8,395 | 35.9% | 23,353 | 314 | 41 | 23,708 |
| align=left|West Jutland | 168,770 | 66.3% | 85,772 | 33.7% | 254,542 | 3,092 | 465 | 258,099 |
| align=left|1. Struer | 13,526 | 65.6% | 7,106 | 34.4% | 20,632 | 226 | 44 | 20,902 |
| align=left|2. Skive | 14,251 | 62.8% | 8,427 | 37.2% | 22,678 | 277 | 35 | 22,990 |
| align=left|3. Viborg Vest | 16,218 | 66.8% | 8,052 | 33.2% | 24,270 | 332 | 58 | 24,660 |
| align=left|4. Viborg Øst | 14,892 | 67.1% | 7,294 | 32.9% | 22,186 | 268 | 45 | 22,499 |
| align=left|5. Silkeborg Nord | 15,996 | 67.2% | 7,797 | 32.8% | 23,793 | 296 | 43 | 24,132 |
| align=left|6. Silkeborg Syd | 18,202 | 71.5% | 7,273 | 28.5% | 25,475 | 325 | 48 | 25,848 |
| align=left|7. Ikast | 11,781 | 63.2% | 6,866 | 36.8% | 18,647 | 214 | 29 | 18,890 |
| align=left|8. Herning Syd | 12,471 | 65.7% | 6,504 | 34.3% | 18,975 | 215 | 38 | 19,228 |
| align=left|9. Herning Nord | 15,293 | 66.7% | 7,638 | 33.3% | 22,931 | 270 | 23 | 23,224 |
| align=left|10. Holstebro | 18,529 | 66.1% | 9,482 | 33.9% | 28,011 | 341 | 51 | 28,403 |
| align=left|11. Ringkøbing | 17,611 | 65.4% | 9,333 | 34.6% | 26,944 | 328 | 51 | 27,323 |
| align=left|North Jutland | 177,485 | 63.9% | 100,195 | 36.1% | 277,680 | 3,125 | 559 | 281,364 |
| align=left|1. Frederikshavn | 17,159 | 58.4% | 12,245 | 41.6% | 29,404 | 251 | 130 | 29,785 |
| align=left|2. Hjørring | 18,894 | 62.8% | 11,187 | 37.2% | 30,081 | 315 | 72 | 30,468 |
| align=left|3. Brønderslev | 22,239 | 62.3% | 13,450 | 37.7% | 35,689 | 421 | 53 | 36,163 |
| align=left|4. Thisted | 18,481 | 62.3% | 11,168 | 37.7% | 29,649 | 331 | 55 | 30,035 |
| align=left|5. Himmerland | 20,651 | 65.2% | 11,014 | 34.8% | 31,665 | 335 | 54 | 32,054 |
| align=left|6. Mariagerfjord | 12,339 | 61.9% | 7,579 | 38.1% | 19,918 | 197 | 42 | 20,157 |
| align=left|7. Aalborg Øst | 25,578 | 66.3% | 12,987 | 33.7% | 38,565 | 503 | 55 | 39,123 |
| align=left|8. Aalborg Vest | 21,855 | 69.0% | 9,801 | 31.0% | 31,656 | 401 | 41 | 32,098 |
| align=left|9. Aalborg Nord | 20,289 | 65.3% | 10,764 | 34.7% | 31,053 | 371 | 57 | 31,481 |
| class="sortbottom" style=font-weight:bold
|align=left|Denmark | 1,848,242 | 66.9% | 915,717 | 33.1% | 2,763,959 | 32,739 | 5,819 | 2,802,517 |
| class="sortbottom"
| colspan="9" style="text-align:left;"|Source: Denmark Statistics{{cite web |url=https://dst.dk/valg/Valg1962294/valgopg/valgopg.htm |title=RESULTATER |trans-title=RESULTS |language=danish |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609183555/https://www.dst.dk/valg/Valg1962294/valgopg/valgopg.htm |archive-date=9 June 2022 |url-status=live}} |
Aftermath
Exit polls released by national broadcasters DR and TV 2 immediately after polls closed at 20:00 CEST (18:00 UTC) indicated that a large majority of the electorate had voted "Yes".{{cite web |title=Exitpoll: Stort flertal stemmer 'ja' til at afskaffe forsvarsforbeholdet {{!}} Seneste nyt |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/exitpoll-stort-flertal-af-danskerne-stemmer-ja-til-afskaffe-forsvarsforbeholdet |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=DR |date=June 2022 |language=da |archive-date=2022-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610213637/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/exitpoll-stort-flertal-af-danskerne-stemmer-ja-til-afskaffe-forsvarsforbeholdet |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Exitpoll: Flertal stemmer ja – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-06-01-exitpoll-flertal-stemmer-ja |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601190946/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-06-01-exitpoll-flertal-stemmer-ja |url-status=live }} This was the first time that Denmark had ever abolished one of its EU opt-outs.{{cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Danskerne stemmer ja til at afskaffe forsvarsforbeholdet – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-06-01-danskerne-stemmer-ja-til-at-afskaffe-forsvarsforbeholdet |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601202857/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-06-01-danskerne-stemmer-ja-til-at-afskaffe-forsvarsforbeholdet |url-status=live }} It was also the highest share of the vote ever received by the "Yes" side in an EU-referendum, with the result being described by some as a landslide. The turnout, at 65.8%, was among the lowest for any EU referendum in Denmark, with only the 2014 Danish Unified Patent Court membership referendum having had a lower turnout.{{cite web |date=2022-06-02 |title=Lav valgdeltagelse bekymrer: 'Det er et nederlag for demokratiet' |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/folkeafstemning/lav-valgdeltagelse-bekymrer-det-er-et-nederlag-demokratiet |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=DR |language=da |archive-date=2022-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602075720/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/folkeafstemning/lav-valgdeltagelse-bekymrer-det-er-et-nederlag-demokratiet |url-status=live }} Election scholars expressed concern and attributed the low turnout to some political parties being hesitant to campaign actively, as well as opinion polls that consistently showed a strong lead for the "Yes" side.
= Reactions =
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented that she was "very very happy" for the result, stating that Denmark had sent a very important signal to its allies and a clear signal to Vladimir Putin. She also praised the cooperation with the other parties that had supported the "Yes" campaign. Frederiksen emphasized that there were no plans to abolish Denmark's remaining opt-outs, promising that the referendum had been "about the defence opt-out and nothing else". Venstre leader Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said that the vote sent a clear result that other countries could count on Denmark. He then focused on the next Danish general election, saying that the country's right-wing should work together to give Denmark a new government.{{cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Ellemann glæder sig over ja – og ser frem mod næste valg – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-06-01-ellemann-glaeder-sig-over-ja-og-ser-frem-mod-naeste-valg |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601211452/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-06-01-ellemann-glaeder-sig-over-ja-og-ser-frem-mod-naeste-valg |url-status=live }}
Morten Messerschmidt commented that the result showed that the Danish People's Party was alive. He said that many people's votes were "influenced by the war in Ukraine". Political Spokesperson of Red–Green Alliance, Mai Villadsen, said that she had "very great respect" for the result of the election.{{cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Mai Villadsen: Mange af vores vælgere har stemt ja – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-06-01-mai-villadsen-mange-af-vores-vaelgere-har-stemt-ja |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601211001/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2022-06-01-mai-villadsen-mange-af-vores-vaelgere-har-stemt-ja |url-status=live }} She mentioned that many of the party's voters had voted "Yes", and promised that the party would remain engaged with defence policy.
== International reactions ==
- {{flag|European Union}}: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result and said that Denmark and the EU "would benefit from the decision".{{cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Resten af Europa omfavner Danmark efter historisk resultat – TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/udland/2022-06-02-resten-af-europa-omfavner-danmark-efter-historisk-resultat |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601231942/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/udland/2022-06-02-resten-af-europa-omfavner-danmark-efter-historisk-resultat |url-status=live }} President of the European Council Charles Michel stated that the decision would strengthen Europe and "make both the EU and the Danish people safer and stronger."
- {{flag|France}}: President Emmanuel Macron said that it was a "fantastic news for our Europe" and that "we are stronger together".{{cite web |last=Macron |first=Emmanuel |date=1 June 2022 |title=Aujourd'hui, le peuple danois a voté pour rejoindre la politique européenne de défense. C'est une excellente nouvelle pour notre Europe ! Nous sommes plus forts ensemble. |url=https://twitter.com/emmanuelmacron/status/1532103039166849025 |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Twitter |language=fr |archive-date=2022-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601222840/https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1532103039166849025 |url-status=live }}
=Developments=
With the end of the EU defence opt-out effective from 1 July 2022, the Danish government had the power to request Denmark's participation in the European Defence Agency and Permanent Structured Cooperation.{{cite web|url=https://via.ritzau.dk/pressemeddelelse/danes-vote-yes-to-abolish-eu-defence-opt-out-here-are-the-next-steps?publisherId=13560888&releaseId=13652552&lang=da|title=Danes vote yes to abolish EU defence opt-out – here are the next steps|date=2022-06-02|accessdate=2022-06-05|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Denmark)|archive-date=2022-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602112911/https://via.ritzau.dk/pressemeddelelse/danes-vote-yes-to-abolish-eu-defence-opt-out-here-are-the-next-steps?publisherId=13560888&releaseId=13652552&lang=da|url-status=live}} On 23 March 2023, the Danish Parliament approved participation in the EDA and PESCO.{{cite web |last1=W |first1=Christian |title=Denmark votes to join European Defence Agency |url=https://cphpost.dk/2023-03-23/news/denmark-votes-to-join-european-defence-agency/ |newspaper=The Copenhagen Post |access-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430034718/https://cphpost.dk/2023-03-23/news/denmark-votes-to-join-european-defence-agency/ |archive-date=30 April 2023 |date=23 March 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Szumski |first1=Charles |title=Danish parliament votes to join European Defence Agency |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/danish-parliament-votes-to-join-european-defence-agency/ |publisher=Euractiv |access-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411214042/http://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/danish-parliament-votes-to-join-european-defence-agency/ |archive-date=11 April 2023 |date=23 March 2023 |url-status=live}} PESCO members voted on Danish participation on 23 May 2023, confirming Denmark's participation in PESCO, Denmark becoming its 26th member.{{Cite web |date=23 May 2023 |title=EU defence cooperation: Council welcomes Denmark into PESCO and launches the 5th wave of new PESCO projects |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/05/23/eu-defence-cooperation-council-welcomes-denmark-into-pesco-and-launches-the-5th-wave-of-new-pesco-projects/ |access-date=18 July 2023 |website=Council of the European Union}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
Further reading
- {{cite journal
| first =Graham
| last =Butler
| authorlink =
|date=2020
| title =The European Defence Union and Denmark's Defence Opt-out: A Legal Appraisal
| journal =European Foreign Affairs Review
| volume =25
| issue =1
| pages =117–150
| url =https://kluwerlawonline.com/journalarticle/European+Foreign+Affairs+Review/25.1/EERR2020008
| id =
| doi=10.54648/EERR2020008
| s2cid =216432180
}}
{{Danish elections}}
{{2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Reactions}}
Category:Referendums in Denmark
Category:Referendums related to the European Union