We will oppose Macron’s plan for EU army, says Danish PM

DENMARK’S prime minister has pledged to resist Emmanuel Macron’s proposals for an EU military force, stating that she will “go up against those who try to undermine transatlantic cooperation”.

Mette Frederiksen warned that plans for a “stronger Europe” must not come “at the expense of strong transatlantic cooperation”. She intervened after France attempted to use the fallout over a defence pact between Australia, Britain and the US to bolster its demands for a new EU military force.

Prominent EU figures are calling for a unit of up to 20,000 troops able to deploy quickly across the globe, with officials expected to present a draft proposal for a “first entry force” in November.

Mr Macron has previously said that Europe had to be able “to defend itself better alone”.

But, earlier this month, Jens Stoltenberg, Nato’s secretary general, warned in an interview with this newspaper that the proposals risked overstretching the “scarce resources” of Nato allies, weakening the transatlantic alliance and “dividing Europe”.

Asked about Mr Macron’s plans, Ms Frederiksen told Politiken: “I would also like to say quite clearly that I will at all times go up against those who try to undermine transatlantic cooperation.

“The transatlantic cooperation is the strongest alliance for democracy and freedom and fundamental human rights, and it must not be undermined by thoughts of a stronger Europe.”