Peter Taksøe-Jensen releases his review of Denmark’s foreign and security policy

In September 2015, the Danish Prime Minister appointed a special envoy to review Denmark’s foreign-, defense- and security policies. The aim of the evaluation is to make specific policy recommendations as to the future direction of Denmark’s policies within these areas.

Today, special envoy Peter Taksøe-Jensen, former Danish ambassador to the U.S. and current ambassador to India, released the report and his recommendations. Overall, Peter Taksøe-Jensen recommends that Denmark’s foreign policy becomes more interest-based focusing on the unique interests of Denmark more than the international society as a whole. In the defense area, Peter Taksøe-Jensen points to five core areas:

• Arctic & the Baltic Sea: Denmark must ensure a peaceful and sustainable development of the Arctic and the Baltic Sea area.
• Europe: Denmark must take responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in Europe.
• Refugees and migration: Prevent uncontrolled flows by strengthening the integration of foreign policy, regions-of-origin initiatives, stabilization efforts, humanitarian aid and long-term development
• Economic Diplomacy: Contribute to economic growth, prosperity and innovation in Denmark by actively pursuing economic diplomacy efforts
• Global goods: Promote global solutions and handling of climate change challenges based on Danish strengths, values and interests.

In addition, NATO is highlighted as Denmark’s main guarantee for security and thus an essential element in Danish security policy.

To read the report (in Danish only), click here. An Executive summary in English is also available here.