Danish PM to discuss Brexit strategy with top business people and union reps

In light of the impending divorce between the United Kingdom and the EU, Denmark is planning its future strategy

Stephen Gadd

On Wednesday March 29, British prime minister Theresa May will activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will officially start the process of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU.

READ ALSO: David Davis in Copenhagen for Brexit talks

PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen has invited a number of key ministers, plus union officials and top business executives, to a meeting at Marienborg, his official residence, on Monday, DR Nyheder reports.

A lot of jobs at stake
It is estimated that around 2,400 companies export goods to the United Kingdom, and that this involves 53,000 jobs. “That’s a very large number, and it indicates the importance of having a strong trading relationship with the United Kingdom,” the prime minister said.

“That’s also why I’m rather unhappy that we are engaged in divorce proceedings – which we’ve never wanted – but which we have to respect.”

Unified strategy and information-sharing
Rasmussen emphasised that it is important to have a unified Danish strategy for the UK’s departure.

“Our interest is to secure access to the British market as advantageously as possible, but of course on balanced terms,” he said. “To continue the divorce analogy, you can’t have the children every second week if you don’t pay your share of the child support.”

He added that “when we meet on Monday, it will probably be to build a partnership and channel for mutual information-sharing for the Danish businesses that have the most at stake here.”

Once May has activated Article 50, the 27 remaining EU countries will hold a summit meeting a month later to adopt the guidelines for negotiation on the British withdrawal from the EU.

TOP STORIES

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs