The Conference of Presidents, political group leaders as well as President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were in Copenhagen on Tuesday to discuss priorities ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Together with representatives of the Danish government, the Conference of Presidents discussed the importance of a safe and competitive Europe.
The EP leaders also had a fruitful exchange with the speaker and prominent members of the Folketing on the support for Ukraine and competitiveness.
At a joint press conference, EP President Roberta Metsola and the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen both highlighted the need for a secure and strong Europe in these uncertain times:
”The time for geopolitical outsourcing is over. We must take responsibility for our own security, and that starts with Ukraine, as Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security,” Roberta Metsola said.
The Prime Minister delivered a similar message, highlighting points from the previous meeting with the Conference of Presidents:
”We have to focus on our priorities, find solutions to our common challenges including on migration, high energy prices, and most importantly, we have to strengthen our support to Ukraine. All of this has the same common goal. We have to make a strong and safe Europe,” Mette Frederiksen said.
With these challenges in mind, it is comforting to have experienced hands at the wheel, according to the EP President:
“We have always looked to Denmark as being the pragmatic consensus builder around the room. Having worked alongside Mette Frederiksen in many meetings over the years, that is what I am sure we will get,” Roberta Metsola said.
During the visit, the Conference of Presidents also had an audience with Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark.
Denmark will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2025, after which Cyprus will assume the presidency.
What is the Conference of Presidents?
The Conference of Presidents in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliament’s work.
Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of, as well as joint actions on the upcoming priorities.