Thorning-Schmidt ‘a bridge’ between Denmark and Germany

PM expresses support for euro, but says its use in Denmark lies over horizon

Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday in a meeting that saw the two leaders discuss DenmarkÂ’s role as the head of the EU when it assumes the presidency in January.

Merkel believes that Thorning-Schmidt (Socialdemokraterne) is well-placed to “build a bridge” between the countries that use the euro and those that do not.

The statement came after Thorning-Schmidt, in an interview with German radio, expressed her support for the euro. However, she reiterated that adopting the currency in Denmark would demand ratification by referendum, “which isn’t feasible during the current economic and political climate”.

Thorning-Schmidt believes the economic malaise sweeping through Eurozone countries should be the main priority on the agenda at the European Union summit on December 9.

“First and foremost, we must to solve the current economic crisis. Then we can look at whether there is a need for [further] changes,” she said.

Merkel also said that DenmarkÂ’s status as a euro outsider should not diminish the prospect of a successful Danish EU presidency.

The warm exchange between the two comes after Thorning-Schmidt has taken strides to smooth over relations with DenmarkÂ’s largest trading partner

In one of her first acts as prime minister, Thorning-Schmidt pledged not to go ahead with the previous governmentÂ’s plans to establish permanent border control posts.

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SEE RELATED STORIES

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Note to readers: The Copenhagen Post will now refer to national political parties by their Danish names and abbreviations. DOWNLOAD The Copenhagen Post’s overview of Danish political parties.

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