Foreign Policy and the EU
We believe in an active and responsible foreign policy that unite our national interests with our ideal of changing the world to the better.
Denmark is a small country in an open economy, which is dependent on peaceful surroundings. We cannot solve all of the world’s problems on our own, but as one of the richest countries we have both a responsibility and an interest in working towards a more stable world. The faith in progress, both at home and internationally, is fundamental for our work.
The Social Democratic Party conducts an active and responsible foreign policy. We support a strong, Danish military approach against IS and help the Syrian refugees in their neighborhoods. Therefore, we contribute to ambitious climate goals and support developing countries with fighting climate change. We fight to make a difference for the poorest and the rights and development of millions of citizens.
We engage in the struggle for freedom, equality and democracy in the world. We contribute in many ways to create a more secure and just world. Naturally, we do so in close cooperation with our allies and strong association with NATO and the UN. In this way, we ensure the best and most consistent effort that makes a real difference, but which at the same time enjoys broad international support.
A part of Europe
The European community is essential to ensure that the European populations can maintain their influence on economics and politics in the age of globalization.
We are supportive of the European Union. The Union has ensured peace, stability and prosperity in our part of the world. This applies to all the problems, which transcend national borders, for example: unemployment, pollution, crime and terrorism. Furthermore, the cooperation enhances our opportunity to meet international challenges, which no nation can address alone. Cross-border problems demand cross-border solutions.
We believe that the EU is strongest, when clear social democratic values make up the base of the led policy. When the common solidarity ensures a balance between market, environment, and people. We do not wish for the internal market to weigh more heavily than these values.
Denmark has gained a big advantage by being in the EUs internal market. It has resulted in growth and jobs. But we as social democrats are worried that considarations with regards to corporations’ profits and the free movement dominate the agenda too much.
Just as our welfare society steers the national market, we wish that the community within the EU would steer the market internationally.
Welfare and influence of people must be the center for cooperation in Europe. The European community is a project of peace and democracy, and has an invaluable importance for the stability in Europe and in the world.
The Social Democrats want the EU enlargement process to continue for European countries that meet EU standards for democracy and human rights. It is in the interest of Denmark to participate fully and wholeheartedly in the EU cooperation. A stronger and more powerful Europe is not a threat to the welfare society, but a prerequisite for its long-term survival.
A new world order
Denmark is a small country that needs good alliance partners. Our security is deeply rooted in international organizations such as the UN, NATO and the EU, and the close relationship with the United States is central.
We live in a time, where the world order is changing. Not only the nation states play a crucial role in international politics, but other actors have emerged on the international scene and have a prominent influence on people’s welfare and safety across the world. International organisations, multinational companies, NGO’s and terror organisations are examples of actors that have such an effect on people all over the world.
Power relations and security threats are changing and diffused. A number of countries have gained more influence and power due to a changing leadership or growing economy. Terrorism, climate changes, poverty and immigration are also variables that increases the risk of conflicts. Taken together, it means that our military power is still important – but it does not mean that it is our only and best power to solve the world’s new challenges. Soft power as development, capacity building diplomacy and trade relations can often crate more development and stability.
Denmark has to lead an active foreign policy because of idealistic reasons.
Our development aid and diplomacy shall fight distress and secure stability and development – especially in the local regions, where the world’s most serious conflicts are happening.
However, we cannot do it on our own. In a new, insecure and complex world order, strong international corporations are more important than ever.
When it comes to military threats and security questions, NATO is our most important alliance. It is through NATO, that we can enjoy our primary protection of our own country and territory.
It is through NATO that we fight shoulder to shoulder with allies, when military measures against countries or terror groups are necessary.
The UN also plays a big role now and in the future.The UN makes a difference with the peacekeeping missions around the world, human rights across borders, aid to refugees and climate deals.
However, the main area, where the UN makes a difference, is the pre-emptive work. Through the UN, we have to secure that the world’s conflicts and challenges get resolved before they become armed conflicts, famine, exoduses, or epidemics.
The UN has set 17 Sustainable Development Goals, where all 193 member states has volunteered to commit to abolish poverty and world hunger, reduce inequality, secure women’s rights and reproductive rights, good education and better health care besides decent jobs and more sustainable economic growth. The Social Democratic Party supports these goals wholeheartedly.
It is not just through the EU, NATO and the UN that we can seek a proactive influence. We also have to seek influence through organizations such as OSCE, the European Council and a vivid Nordic cooperation.