EU top politicians to visit Aarhus University
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will visit Aarhus University in connection with the official opening of Denmark's EU Presidency.
From 1 July and six months onward, Denmark will take over the presidency of the EU. This will be marked by an official opening, which will take place in Aarhus on 3 July - starting at Aarhus University. This is according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office.
"The official opening will begin at Aarhus University, where the programme includes, among other things, a meeting between the Commission and the Danish government and a press conference with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen," the statement reads.
Ursula von der Leyen is President of the European Commission, one of the most powerful positions in the EU system. She was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2024 for a further five years in office. German von der Leyen is a former minister in Merkel's government and a member of the CDU party.
After the press conference at Aarhus University, the opening will continue at the art museum ARoS and at the Port of Aarhus, before the royal couple host a reception on the Royal Yacht Dannebrog.
The formal opening ceremony will take place in the evening at Aarhus City Hall. In the City Hall Park, there will be a European street party with concerts, communal dining and debates.
A great opportunity
According to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Denmark is assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU at a crucial time in the history of Europe:
“This is a great opportunity for a small country like ours to make a political impact and help drive the work towards a stronger Europe. We are ready to take on that responsibility," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says.
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.
This text is machine translated and post-edited by Cecillia Jensen