European Expansion Sentiment: What Do Danes Think About EU Enlargement?

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Danes lead EU in Favor of Expanding the Union, Ukraine Sees Strongest Support

September 3, 2025 – 8:00 AM

Copenhagen – A recent study released by the European commission demonstrates that Denmark is among the most keen supporters of expanding the European Union, with a particularly strong endorsement of Ukraine’s prospective membership. The findings, drawn from the latest Eurobarometer survey, indicate a growing acceptance of broadening the union’s borders among Danish citizens.

Approximately 75 Percent of respondents in Denmark believe the EU should welcome new member states, placing the nation second only to sweden in its pro-expansion stance. This contrasts with the EU average of 56 percent who favor future enlargement. Per Haugaard, head of the EU Commission’s depiction in Denmark, highlighted the significance of this support, noting it reflects a broader recognition of the value and importance of the European community.

The survey specifically examined public opinion regarding individual countries seeking EU membership. Ukraine garnered the most significant backing in Denmark, with an impressive 81 percent of citizens expressing approval for its accession. This level of support is mirrored in other Nordic nations, with Finland also registering 81 percent support and Sweden showing an even higher rate of 91 percent.

This robust Nordic support for Ukraine stands in contrast to the overall EU sentiment, where slightly more than half of citizens currently support Ukrainian membership. This divergence underscores a regional enthusiasm for integrating Ukraine into the European fold.

Regional Breakdown of EU Expansion Support

Contry	Support for EU Expansion (%)	Support for Ukraine’s EU Membership (%)
Sweden	77	91
Denmark	75	81
Finland	73	81
EU Average	56	52

Did You Know? The Eurobarometer surveys have been conducted regularly since 1973, providing valuable insights into public opinion across the European Union.

Pro Tip: Understanding public opinion toward EU expansion is crucial for policymakers navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

The Broader Context of EU Expansion

The question of EU expansion has been a recurring theme in European politics for decades. The 2004 and 2007 enlargements, which brought in several Central and Eastern European countries, significantly altered the Union’s demographics and economic landscape. Current discussions about further expansion are taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the evolving relationship between the EU and Russia. The potential accession of Ukraine, Moldova, and several Western Balkan countries remains a key strategic priority for many EU member states. recent data indicates that public support for EU expansion tends to correlate with perceived benefits related to security, economic stability, and shared values. However, concerns about the absorption capacity of the EU and the potential impact on existing member states’ economies also play a role in shaping public opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions About EU Expansion

• What is the Eurobarometer? The Eurobarometer is a series of public opinion surveys conducted regularly by the European Commission to gauge attitudes toward various EU-related issues.
• why is Ukraine’s EU membership being considered? Ukraine has officially applied for EU membership as a strategic move to strengthen its ties with the West and secure its future amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
• what are the benefits of EU expansion? Potential benefits include increased economic growth, enhanced security cooperation, and the promotion of democratic values across a wider region.
• What are the challenges of EU expansion? Challenges include the need to reform EU institutions, address potential economic disparities, and manage the integration of diverse political and legal systems.
• How does Denmark’s support for EU expansion compare to other countries? Denmark consistently demonstrates high levels of support for EU expansion, often exceeding the EU average and frequently ranking among the most enthusiastic member states.

What do you think about the prospect of EU expansion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

To what extent does Denmark’s historical experience with EU treaties (like Maastricht) influence current public opinion on further EU enlargement?

Historical Context of Danish EU Sentiment

Denmark’s relationship with the European Union (EU), formerly the European economic Community (EEC), has been complex. Unlike some nations, Denmark didn’t immediately embrace full integration.

1973 Accession: Denmark initially joined the EEC in 1973, but a 1972 referendum saw a narrow ‘yes’ vote.

1982 greenland Exit: A subsequent 1982 referendum resulted in Greenland, an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark, opting to leave the EEC.

Maastricht Treaty (1993): A significant turning point came with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, which aimed for greater European integration. Danish voters initially rejected the treaty, fearing a loss of sovereignty. A revised agreement, offering opt-outs on key areas like the Euro and justice and home affairs, was then approved in a second referendum.

Continued euroscepticism: Throughout the years,Danish politics have consistently featured a strong Eurosceptic current,influencing debates on further EU integration.

This history shapes current Danish perspectives on EU enlargement. Understanding this past is crucial to interpreting present-day opinions on admitting new member states. The concept of Danish exceptionalism – a belief in Denmark’s unique position and interests – frequently surfaces in these discussions.

Current Public Opinion on EU Enlargement

Recent polling data reveals a nuanced picture of Danish sentiment towards EU enlargement. While support for Ukraine’s EU candidacy is relatively high, broader expansion plans face more skepticism.

Ukraine & Moldova: Surveys conducted in early 2024 and 2025 consistently show around 50-60% of Danes supporting Ukraine’s EU membership, driven largely by solidarity following the Russian invasion. support for Moldova’s candidacy is generally lower, around 30-40%.

Western Balkans: Enlargement towards the Western Balkans (Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia) receives considerably less support. Concerns about corruption, political instability, and economic disparities in these countries are frequently cited. Polling suggests onyl 20-30% of Danes favor their immediate accession.

Georgia: Support for Georgia’s EU membership is even lower, hovering around 15-25%.

Key Concerns: Common anxieties among Danish voters include:

Economic Impact: Fears that enlargement could strain the EU budget and lead to increased competition for jobs and resources.

Cultural Identity: Concerns about the potential dilution of Danish culture and values.

Political Stability: Worries that admitting countries with weak democratic institutions could undermine the EU’s overall stability.

Bureaucracy: A perception that the EU is already overly bureaucratic and that enlargement would exacerbate this issue.

Political Party Positions

Danish political parties hold diverse views on EU enlargement, reflecting the broader public debate.

Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet): Generally supportive of Ukraine’s candidacy, but cautious about broader enlargement. Thay emphasize the need for candidate countries to meet strict criteria regarding rule of law and economic stability.

Liberal Party (Venstre): More pro-EU than the Social democrats, generally favoring enlargement as a means of promoting stability and economic growth in Europe.

Conservative People’s Party (Det Konservative Folkeparti): Traditionally Eurosceptic, they express strong reservations about enlargement, notably towards the Western Balkans. They prioritize national sovereignty and are wary of transferring more power to Brussels.

Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti): The most Eurosceptic major party, vehemently opposed to further EU enlargement. They advocate for a more limited and intergovernmental EU.

Red-Green Alliance (Enhedslisten): Critical of the EU’s neoliberal policies, they generally oppose enlargement, arguing that it will lead to a race to the bottom in terms of labor standards and environmental protection.

The Alternative (Alternativet): Focuses on sustainability and social justice,they are cautious about enlargement,emphasizing the need for candidate countries to demonstrate a commitment to these values.

Economic Considerations & Impact on Denmark

The potential economic consequences of EU enlargement are a significant factor in the Danish debate.

Increased Competition: Enlargement could lead to increased competition for Danish businesses, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

Labor Market Effects: The free movement of labor could potentially lead to an influx of workers from new member states, impacting the Danish labor market.

EU Budget Contributions: Denmark’s contributions to the EU budget could increase as the EU expands.

Potential Benefits: Conversely,enlargement could also create new opportunities for Danish businesses in expanding markets.A larger EU could also strengthen Europe’s overall economic competitiveness.

Agricultural Policy: Denmark, a significant agricultural exporter, is particularly sensitive to changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that might result from enlargement.

The Role of media and Public Discourse

the Danish media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion on EU enlargement.

Balanced Reporting: Generally, Danish media provides relatively balanced coverage of the issue, presenting both the potential benefits and risks of enlargement.

* Focus on Concerns: However