HE Anne Hedensted Steffensen
Speech to the Conservative Foreign & Commonwealth Council, October 23 2012
Sir Chairman, Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. It’s a real pleasure to meet you all. I have been to this grand old parliament on many occasions, but it’s always a great honour to be invited to speak here, as it is a great joy to be in the UK altogether. It has been a special privilege to be in London this year to see the grand spectacle of the Olympics. Rarely have I seen a city so wholeheartedly embrace a sporting event and rally behind their athletes. As a small country, Denmark couldn’t quite compete with the astonishing British medal tally, but we were still proud to take home 9 medals at the Olympics and 5 at the Paralympics.
Golda Meir, the former Israeli Prime Minister, once said to one of her ministers. “Don’t be so humble, you’re not that great”. On that note, allow me to say that Denmark consistently aim to punch above our weight – in foreign policy and else where. Lately, the task of drawing British attention to our corner of the world has been aided by a virtual Danish invasion of British TV-screens. I am of course talking about the Danish TV-dramas ‘The Killing’ and ‘Borgen’, whose sweater-clad detective and ambitious female prime minister has somehow hit the spot with the British audience. I can only hope that my little talk with you today will be as thrilling as an episode of the Killing, and as politically relevant as watching the work of a Danish coalition government in Borgen.
Today, I will talk to you about our foreign policy priorities: I will, first of all, outline Denmark’s role as an open and responsible nation. Secondly, I will emphasise the wide range of foreign policy areas in which Denmark can be a considered a partner of the United Kingdom, in places such Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia. Finally, I will describe the role of Denmark in the context of the EU as well as the in the international arena.
[Open Denmark]
Denmark is a relatively small country on the international stage. As such, we cherish collaboration with other countries and through membership of international organisations, such as our close collaboration with the UK and our membership of the EU, NATO and the UN.
Our country is known for fighting poverty, defending human rights, creating welfare and social balance, green solutions and innovative businesses. These values go hand in hand with an open-minded country, which allows a free flow of ideas and free movements of people
As you know, we got a new centre-left coalition government last autumn and the free flow of people has been a key political signal from the government. The government has rolled back planned new border control posts along Denmark’s borders, scrapped some of the strictest immigration regulations and expanded the focus on collaborating with educational institutions in other countries.
[Responsible Denmark (Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Iran, development aid)]
The Danish government strives to carry out an active and responsible foreign policy. We aim to influence the world around us in accordance with international human rights and fundamental freedoms, as these principles are central to our own Danish values. Denmark belongs to select club of countries that give more than 0.7pc of GNI in aid. A club, which the UK is looking to join by the end of 2013 – a prospect that Denmark warmly welcomes.
Denmark’s policy for international development is based on the notion that poverty is best alleviated by strengthening human rights, democracy and good governance whilst enhancing economic growth. Thus, the Danish Government’s new development strategy focuses on human rights and democracy, green growth, social progress and stability and protection.
Amongst other things, the new Danish government has dedicated around 50 million pounds to bilateral efforts in priority countries, focusing on democracy, human rights, good governance and equality.
We - as a small country - cannot change the world ourselves but we are determined to make the most of our size in any forum, in any talks or ultimately through military action.
[Military intervention]
Turning specifically to Danish military engagements I must stress that we still regard military intervention as the last and ultimate political tool in the toolbox. But it is still a tool we are ready to use if there are no other options, the circumstances demand it and the necessary legal framework is in place.
However, like everyone else we have drawn our lessons from our military engagements in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Libya and now Afghanistan. We will not see another decade of long military engagement by Danish Forces in the near future. We will probably focus our efforts – also bearing in mind that we are a small country – on flexible, relevant and timely contributions with trusted partners.
Denmark and the UK have been fighting together in Helmand in Afghanistan since 2006. It’s vital to stress that the basis for Denmark’s engagement in Afghanistan is to protect our national security. Denmark currently has approximately 650 soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and we have, to our deep sorrow and regret, lost 42 Danish soldiers over the years. On this note, please allow me to express the Danish Government’s and my condolences with the many UK casualties in Afghanistan. Your country’s sacrifice and determination during the last decade in Afghanistan stands out.
Currently, our close bilateral coordination ensures that our forces take the common steps necessary to train the Afghan Security Forces which is key to our military reductions and ultimately our countries’ exit.
Our efforts in Afghanistan, side by side with the British forces, bear testimony to the close partnership between Denmark and Britain in matters of defence. Our close cooperation has provided our nations’ defence forces with a unique understanding and interoperability which we wish to maintain in the future. In September, Denmark and the UK signed an MOU in the defence area on “the enhancement of bilateral security and defence cooperation”. That is in our view the foundation of a continued strong and close partnership.
Denmark is engaged alongside Britain in the recent development in the Middle East and north Africa. As Britain, we are acutely aware of the critical situation in Syria, where horrific violations of human rights are increasing. Denmark has consistently backed the international community’s countless attempts to stop the violence, but to no avail.
Therefore, Denmark has taken the same route as the UK and is supporting the Syrian opposition and supporting efforts to document the terrible human rights violations perpetrated by the Assad-regime. Together with our EU partners we have agreed more than 15 rounds of sanctions. But it is vital that we continue the political pressure, because the present situation is unacceptable and unbearable. Yet, we don’t see military intervention as a remedy in any way. It will have no defined purpose or end-state and it would demand a numerously, massive intervention.
We are also working closely with the British government to put pressure on Iran and its nuclear programme. Also in this case, EU-sanctions have played an important role.
Denmark is also actively involved in Somalia, working closely with the British Government, which to a large extent has been leading efforts to stabilise the country. The Danish Navy has been conducting counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia since 2008. We believe in taking a robust approach to the problem but we are also acutely aware that the enduring solution to the problem is on land, not at sea.
Denmark has launched an ambitious aid programme to help stabilising the fragile political progress in Somalia and will work closely with the UK government in its implementation. We are very impressed with the UK’s focus on Somalia, most recently with the Somalia Conference in London last winter. ,
[Denmark in EU]
Europe plays a central role for the Danish economy and foreign policy. Denmark joined the common market in 1973, together with the UK, and we will soon celebrate forty years of membership.
Successive Danish governments have pursued a positive, active and constructive European policy; it is an approach supported by a large majority in the Danish Parliament.
It is our belief that Denmark best promotes its national interest through European Cooperation. As a small, open economy, where more than 60 per cent of our trade is with European partners, the Single Market is of paramount importance to us. In the face of globalisation it is only through European cooperation that we can effectively combat terrorism, fight cross-border crime and find solutions to climate change. Furthermore, with the rise of new global powers, our influence on the global scene requires a strong European foreign policy.
In many ways, we believe the EU gives us opportunities for influencing the world around us, which we would not otherwise have.
On a number of issues the UK and Denmark share common positions. We support the development of the Singe Market, press for free trade agreements with other countries, support the enlargement process and push for ambitious EU climate and energy policies. Both our countries favour a focused EU budget with reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy, and which is targeted growth creation, research and innovation.
Denmark strove to demonstrate our strong commitment to the EU during our EU Presidency, which took place in the first half of this year. We assumed the Presidency in the midst of the biggest crisis in the history of the EU. Through hard work and pragmatism we tried to show that, despite the crisis, Europe still works, and still can deliver .
We did not solve the crisis during our Presidency, nor did we expect to do so. We managed, however, to produce more than 150 concrete results in the legislative process, such as reaching agreement on the European Patent Court, setting higher standards for energy efficiency throughout Europe and reaching an agreement on financial regulation.
In the last couple of years the EU has taken many steps to increase financial and economic stability. But it will require much more hard work and difficult decisions in the years to come.
The Economic and Monetary Union adopted in the 1990s had at its core a monetary union but with an economic union that was much less developed. It was a construction without a fiscal union, without a banking union and without shared economic governance. But Denmark finds that blaming the EU for the crisis would be misplaced. No, the problem was rather that many members states failed to conduct sound economic policy. We believe that Europe is part of the solution, not the problem.
As the Danish Prime Minister stated in a recent speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, we must concede that flexible integration is a reality today and to some extent has been for years. This flexibility has allowed the EU to move on when necessary – often to the benefit of all 27 Member States and our common institutions. We should accept that Europe is in fact a multi-speed Europe.
Indeed, the economic crisis has demonstrated a need for flexible integration.
However, the Danish Prime Minister stated that flexible integration must be guided by some fundamental principles. Firstly, flexible integration should be a means to an end – not a goal in itself. Secondly, flexible integration should not put at risk the common values and institutions that all 27 Member States share, such as the Single Market. And thirdly, the process leading to flexible integration has to be transparent for all Member States and based on clear choices. And once some Member States have moved forward, others should be allowed to join at a later stage if they wish to do so.
Denmark will engage positively, actively and constructively in these discussions with a view to move Europe forward.
[A Denmark in a Nordic context ]
Denmark is first and foremost a Nordic country. We share our culture with our Nordic neighbours in many ways and even - almost – the same language. Denmark collaborates closely with Sweden, Norway, Island and Finland, formally in the forum of the Nordic Council. It is thus a great joy for us to be able to take part in the UK-Nordic Summits, which have been initiated by Prime Minister Cameron, with the aim of exchanging ideas between the UK and the Nordic countries.
Denmark is, as I’m sure you are aware, a kingdom, like yours, entailing Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark. We collaborate closely with our partners in the Arctic Council.
International interest in the Faroe Islands and Greenland is increasing these days. It is expected that growing international attention will affect the internal cooperation within the Kingdom of Denmark; thus foreign policy is becoming increasingly important to the relationship. Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands collaborate on foreign policy, and the Danish Government is increasing its focus on the Arctic as a central platform for Danish foreign policy. This includes an enhanced search and rescue presence in the Arctic. We are aware of the growing significance of climate change to the region and have . recently initiated a common research project looking at fisheries and the effects of climate change on ocean life.
[A green Denmark (3GF, green growth)]
Climate Change is one of the most serious issues facing the world today. Like the global financial crisis, this issue has to be solved in a world in rapid change. The situation requires a committed effort to further sustainable development, focusing on reducing CO2-emissions and using resources more effectively.
A Danish humourist, named Storm P– once said: “Everybody is talking about the weather; nobody is doing anything about it.”
Well, yes, that ‘s admittedly quite difficult. But, Denmark IS in fact doing something about it. We have been countering climate change for years.
In Denmark, protecting the climate and ensuring growth are not at odds. For decades, green solutions has gone hand in hand with economic growth.
Since 1980, the Danish economy has grown by 78%, while energy consumption has remained more or less constant, and CO2 emissions have been reduced.
At the same time, the composition of the energy consumption has changed significantly as a result of a political effort to promote the use of renewable energy. Today, renewable energy comprises over 16,5% of overall energy consumption.
This has been combined with dedicated research and development of new technologies, which has made Denmark a market leader in green energy technologies, with Vestas providing wind turbines to projects all over the world and DONG Energy developing renewable energy projects all over Northern Europe and becoming the leading developer of offshore wind farms in the UK. Currently Dong is operating 6 wind farms and has a pipeline of 1.3Giga Watt more under construction.
This year, the Danish Government launched a new energy bill, which aims to ensure that around 35 pct. of our energy will be sustainable by 2020 and around 50 pct. of our electricity will be supplied by wind power.
The Danish Experience shows that persistent and active energy policies on enhanced energy efficiency can at the same time allow for sustained economic growth and the reduction of dependency on fossil fuels and safeguarding the environment.
[A trade nation]
Denmark is a trading nation. We started out mainly exporting agricultural products, especially bacon to you Brits. We still export a lot of bacon, to the extent that there are actually far more pigs than people in Denmark today. However, our export has evolved to cover other non-breakfast related areas. As mentioned, clean-tech is truly a Danish stronghold, with Danish companies controlling one-third of the global wind market; but we are also a major player within life sciences. Many of the world’s global pharmaceutical companies originate in Denmark, such as Novo Nordisk, Lundbeck and Leo Pharma.
Last but not least, culture is a successful Danish export. These days we are seeing an increased interest in Danish art and culture, and not just thanks to ‘The Killing’ and ‘Borgen’. Danish culture is at a first-mover in many areas. In gastronomy, we have the world’s best restaurant, Noma, which serves up reindeer moss and live shrimps. They offered these delicacies to British gourmets at a pop-up restaurant at Claridge’s Hotel during the Olympics. Directors such as Lars Von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm constantly break new boundaries with daring films, such as Lindholm’s new film ‘A Hijacking’, about a group of Somali pirates’ hijacking of a Danish ship. The film comes out in British cinemas next spring. There is a growing interest in the Danish way of life, which emphasises sustainability and an active lifestyle. Bicycling is second nature to most Danes, and these days this approach inspires world-wide. Two weeks ago the embassy organised a very successful exhibition about Copenhagen Cycle Culture in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Sustainability is thus a hallmark of Danish export and a characteristic which can also be found in the Danish contribution to the Olympic Park where the Danish architects CF Møller build a beautiful accommodation complex in the Athletes’ Village, which is one of the largest building projects of its size to achieve level 4 in the British code for sustainable homes.
[A citizen of the world]
As I mentioned at the beginning of this talk, Denmark is a small player on the international stage. However, I hope that this somewhat general introduction to Danish foreign policy has given you an insight into some of the Danish efforts and strategies to stand up for our values on the international stage; sometimes in supporting roles with our partners, such as Britain, and sometimes taking the lead, as we are not afraid of doing when we see it fit.
This is the case with the on-going effort by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help put pressure on the Bahraini government to release the Bahrani-Danish political activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. al-Khawaja is imprisoned in Bahrain, because he, together with other activists, called for democracy and human rights in the uprising of 2010. In this case, as in many others, the Danish government’s commitment to supporting the fight for democracy and freedom of speech is unwavering. The United Kingdom has been a formidable partner in these efforts.
The rule of law and respect for individual human rights are fundamental principles to Danish society and to our foreign policy. Because foreign policy is first and foremost about people.
Allow me to finish by quoting my favourite strong Scandinavian girl – and this is neither Sarah Lund from ‘The Killing’ or Birgitte Nyborg, the Prime Minister from Borgen, but their Swedish little sister, the strongest girl in the world, Pippi Longstocking, who wisely says that ’if you are very strong, you must also be very nice’. By working together with the UK and other partners we are strong - and together we can make this world a better and nicer place.
Thank you.