AARHUS, Denmark (Chatnewstv.com) — European council President António Costa on Thursday praised Denmark’s leadership as it assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, urging the bloc to focus on security, economic competitiveness, and climate resilience amid global volatility.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony in Aarhus, Costa called the Danish presidency’s motto, “A Strong Europe in a Changing World,” both timely and urgent.
“A secure Europe is not a slogan. It is a duty,” Costa said. “A duty to protect our citizens, uphold our values, and defend our future.”
Costa emphasized that the EU must bolster its defense capabilities, describing NATO as “indispensable,” but insisting that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. He reaffirmed the EU’s goal of achieving defense readiness by 2030 through smarter, collective investments.
“Denmark is a leader on European security,” Costa said. “It is setting an example with its unwavering support for Ukraine — militarily, financially, and industrially — through the so-called Danish model.”
He urged the EU to maintain long-term support for Ukraine and accelerate negotiations for its membership, alongside Moldova and the six Western Balkan countries.
“Enlargement is not a bureaucratic process,” Costa said. “It is the EU’s best geopolitical investment.”
Costa also stressed the economic priorities of the Danish presidency, arguing that competitiveness and security are interlinked.
“A more competitive Europe is a safer Europe,” he said. “And a Europe with a robust defense industry will be a more autonomous, innovative and technological Europe.”
The EU council leader called for modernization of the EU single market, reduction of regulatory burdens, and deeper commitment to the green transition — which he described as “Europe’s chance to lead.”
“Denmark has a strong record in climate leadership,” he said. “We count on the Danish presidency to help prepare for a successful COP30 in Brazil this November.”
Costa urged leaders to agree on a new long-term EU budget that reflects the bloc’s ambitions in defense, economic reform, and climate policy. He said the task would require “skillful and creative negotiations,” and added with a smile, “Who better than Denmark, global leaders in creative design, to take them forward?”
Quoting Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, Costa concluded: “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”
“In Aarhus,” he said, “where democracy, climate leadership, and openness intersect, it is fitting to reaffirm our shared commitment: to a European Union that protects, that prospers, and that leads.”
By Gabriel Ani
