Aarhus University hosts opening of the Danish EU Presidency
On Thursday, Aarhus University hosted the official opening of the Danish EU Presidency. On Thursday morning, the entire Danish government and the European Commission gathered at the university.
Aarhus University provided the setting for parts of the official opening of the Danish EU Presidency on Thursday. And it showed. Since Wednesday, the north-eastern part of the campus in Aarhus, including the Rector’s Office and the Student House, has been under police cordon.
On Thursday morning, a procession of black cars with tinted windows arrived behind the security barriers, delivering all Danish government ministers and the majority of European Commissioners – including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen – to the entrance of Aarhus University’s Main Hall, where Rector Brian Bech Nielsen received them.
The first item on the day’s programme was taking the obligatory family photo, which – fittingly – was taken in full sunshine in the the Sun Courtyard.
Activities at the university reached their peak on Thursday afternoon, as Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen appeared in front of the national and international press. Both President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised the importance of peace in Ukraine and a Europe capable of defending itself in their speeches at the press conference.
The Danish EU Presidency
From 1 July and for the next six months, Denmark will take over the Presidency of the EU. This will be marked by an official opening that will take place in Aarhus on 3 July. The presidency of the EU rotates between the EU member states. Holding the presidency of the EU means that the country in question holds the presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, which together with the European Parliament forms the EU's legislative power. Denmark takes over the Presidency from Poland and hands it over to Cyprus on 31 December. Denmark last held the Presidency of the EU in 2012.
Mette Frederiksen began the meeting by setting out the task of the Presidency:
"It's crystal clear: We must steer Europe safely through one of the most challenging periods in history. Russia has brought war back to our continent, the situation in the Middle East has escalated to a new level and we are facing the consequences of migration, climate change and global competition. There is one answer to all these challenges: a stronger Europe."
She also offered a glimpse into some of the political discussions that had taken place between ministers and commissioners within the university’s walls earlier in the day: Paving the way for a stronger European defence, strengthening support for Ukraine and the need for reducing migration to Europe.
In this connection, she mentioned that she was also pleased to welcome Ukrainian President Zelensky to Aarhus. A few hours earlier, his visit had been revealed.
"Our European family would not be complete without his participation," said Mette Frederiksen, who also made it clear that she wants Ukraine to join both NATO and the EU.
In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen also emphasised the importance of continued support for Ukraine:
"Ukrainians are not only fighting for their sovereignty, but they’re also fighting for us, for our freedom and our values. And we know we can never match their sacrifices and losses, but we can stand firm and resolute with Ukraine, not only for as long as it takes to secure peace, but also to give them the chance to have the country they dream of - a country in control of its own destiny and future."
Ursula von der Leyen also praised Denmark's focused approach to the Presidency:
"You know how to get things done, and that's exactly the spirit we need right now."
Rolled up sleeves
That same spirit marked the opening day, as ministers and commissioners – after the sunny family photo in the Sun Courtyard – rolled up their sleeves and took part in four group discussions ahead of a plenary session in the Main Hall, which was also attended by Ursula von der Leyen and Mette Frederiksen.
AU's Main Hall was transformed into a plenary meeting room for the occasion, and the well-known rows of light brown leather chairs were replaced with a huge round table.
Focus on research – and vocational education
Before taking over the EU Presidency, the Danish government has presented its programme for the six months that Denmark will lead the EU Council of Ministers. The programme is entitled 'A Strong Europe in a Changing World' and the programme sets out two overarching priorities for the Presidency: A secure, self-defence Europe by 2030 and a competitive and green Europe.
The programme also states that research and innovation will play a significant role in achieving policy objectives, not least in terms of EU competitiveness:
“Research and innovation play a vital role in tackling Europe’s major challenges and are fundamental to advancing key policy agendas,” the programme states.
There is a particular focus on life sciences, biotechnology, space technology and quantum technology.
The Presidency will also have a special focus on "creating an optimal framework for research and innovation of the highest quality".
However, the programme does not mention much about education, let alone higher education. The presidency will instead focus on the need for attractive vocational education and training programmes.
While the Main Hall and the Rector’s Office were a hive of activity, with concentrated alertness and a swarm of journalists and officials, the atmosphere elsewhere on campus was noticeably more relaxed and summery. Small demonstrations appeared in a few places. This was the case at both ends of the Ringgaden cordon, where a few protesters had set up with banners. They describe themselves as individual protesters who don’t represent one organisation.
After the press conference at AU, the politicians moved on to the other Aarhus locations that form the setting for the official opening. And the celebrations culminate tonight at Aarhus City Hall, where the actual opening ceremony will take place. In the City Hall Park, there will be a European Street Party for everyone who wants to participate.
This text is machine translated and post-edited by Cecillia Jensen