As Denmark begins its rare turn holding the EU’s rotating Presidency, hopes for progressive momentum have been met with disappointment. The Danish government’s official programme, unveiled on June 19, offers little substance beyond a bland slogan: “A secure Europe and a competitive and green Europe.”

Denmark closely mirrors the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agenda favoring deregulation, business-friendly policies over people, and a securitised approach to migration, plans to expand offshore deportation centers and equate migration with insecurity reflect a harsh shift away from humanitarian solutions.

On economic and environmental matters, the Presidency emphasizes “competitiveness” over social justice and green transformation. While the programme includes vague nods to decent work and job creation, its priorities clearly place business interests ahead of workers’ rights and environmental protections. Key policy gaps, such as action on PFAS chemicals, the Public Procurement Directive, and reforms to stop social dumping, remain unaddressed, despite their urgency.

Rather than using its agenda-setting power to shape progressive EU policy—on poverty, climate, or labour—the government has chosen passivity. This unwillingness to engage leaves a dangerous vacuum at a time when right-wing forces are gaining strength in Europe.

Left MEP Per Clausen (Enhedslisten, Denmark): “The primary purpose of the Danish government’s priorities for the EU-Presidency seem to be to copy paste of the policies and words of the Conservative Commission President. That is, to put it mildly, disappointing and unambitious.”

This moment calls for clarity and resistance. With climate ambition under threat, workers’ protections sidelined, and migration policies hardening, we must act—holding the Presidency accountable and pushing for a humane, just, and green Europe.