The role of a presidency in the EU, according to Anne Dorte Riggelsen, is to work in a logical community representing the entire European Union by having frank discussions. If these are not the national priorities that take precedence, each country securing the presidency, however, adds a national grade to the direction of the European Council. The Ambassador described the duties of this presidency as simple and complex at the same time. Simple because Denmark holds this post for the seventh time in its history, but complex when looking at the identity and economic crises that are happing in the European Union today. Anne Dorte Riggelsen also explained that the relationship between Denmark and the European Union was paradoxical in the sense that although they are strongly pro-European, the Danish are still very attached to their sovereignty.
On many occasions, the Ambassador evoked the “small steps” method, dear to Jean Monnet, to point out the necessity of advancing the European Union in a “pragmatic” manner. The European countries must advance together, of course, but maybe not all at the same time.
If an assessment must be laid out by the Danish Presidency, we will know that it is an optimistic impetus that the Danish meant to give to Europe. Far from wanting to put itself in an economic or social model, Denmark promotes a consensus of dialogue and research, taking into consideration the opinions, apprehensions, and difficulties that each country can come across. |
