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Denmark assumes the Presidency of the European Union at a challenging time for Europe

2 January 2012

Denmark assumed the six month rotating Presidency of the European Union on Sunday at a time of growing global economic uncertainty.The Danish government presented the priorities for the Presidency in mid-December 2011 and will present the Presidency Programme in Copenhagen on 6 January 2012.

To mark the takeover of the Presidency several public buildings fly the Europe flag on 2 January.

The Danish Minister for Europe, Nicolai Wammen states: "We look forward to the next six months, where Denmark holds the key to the machine room of the EU. Now our long preparations will be translated into activities and results. I'm happy about the support to mark the takeover of the Presidency. The next six months Denmark has the opportunity to put fingerprints on the EU agenda. The Presidency is also a good occassion to put focus on the EU co-operation in Denmark - a cooperation that benefit citizens and businesses every day."

Denmark takes over the presidency at a time of growing global economic uncertainty. Whilst after the Treaty of Lisbon the role of the rotating presidency is somewhat diminished, the country presiding over the EU still has plenty of opportunity to influence policy through its chairing of thousands of committees and groups that keep the work of the European Union together. The presidency is also important at a time of crisis since it becomes a rallyinjg point for the member states.

Denmark is one of the  ten European countries that have not adopted the Euro as their currency. Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt has stressed though that Copenhagen was eager to ``be a bridge between the 17 and the 27'' to ensure that the gap does not widen between eurozone and non-euro states.

Denmark has taken over the EU Presidency from Poland.

source: commonspace.eu

photo: the logo of the Danish presidency of the European Union

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