Konsekvenser ved oph velse af det danske forsvarsforbehold

ABSTRACT
Konsekvenser ved ophævelse af det danske forsvarsforbehold
Since Denmark introduced the opt-outs for the second referendum of Maastricht treqaty,
they have been debated. Within a year Denmark will have general election, and both
the present government and the opposition has expressed intentions to abolish the
defence opt-out.
This paper explores the consequences of lifting the defence opt-out for both the Danish
armed forces and Denmark as a state. By first analysing the part of the Treaty of the
European Union relevant to the CSDP, which the defence opt-out shielded Denmark
against, the consequences for the defence level is established. The paper concludes
that the doctrinal, technological and organisational consequences for Danish armed
forces all are limited. This is due to the fact, that the EU has selected NATO as the
primary originator and driver of doctrines, standardisation and technological
development.
Without speculating in the expected level of ambition on behalf of the state of Denmark,
if the defence opt-out is removed, the paper then moves to examine Ireland, Sweden
and Finland’s leverage in the EU CSDP from at theory of adaptation. The findings
indicate, that Danish activism can be applied in CSDP, but due to the institutional
binding Denmark will be forced to select winnable cases.
Side 2