Danish vote in referendum on EU opt-out stance

Denmark would on Thursday Vote in a referendum to ascertain if it should change its two-decade-long opt-out system for EU justice and home affairs. The referedum came amid concerns that the system was affecting its membership in the European cross-border crime agency Europol.
The current opt-out system introduced 1993 has allowed Denmark to stay out of all supranational EU policy areas in home affairs and justice. However, following the 2009 Lisbon treaty, more EU cooperation is being transferred to a supranational level in reforms also affecting Europol.


Leading politicians were out Thursday morning on the streets of central Copenhagen and other cities to persuade undecided voters as opinion polls suggest a tight race. “A ‘yes’ is the safe choice, it ensures that we remain in Europol and can cooperate against crime,” Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen told newsmen.
Rasmussen’s right-leaning Liberals and the main Social Democrat opposition are part of a five-party alliance that argued that reform was necessary. ‘’This would allow Denmark to remain in Europol and use a case-by-case opt-in system, similar to that used by Ireland and Britain’’ supporters of a ‘’yes’’ said.
Opponents to the change include the left-leaning Unity List and the eurosceptic Danish People’s Party who oppose giving up sovereignty. The Danish People’s Party, known for its tough immigration stance, argues that an opt-in would mean that Denmark will eventually be forced to adopt EU refugee policies, despite claims to the contrary from the yes-side.
“We urge voters to vote ‘no’ since we give up our sovereignty on justice affairs if we say ‘yes,'” Kristian Dahl, Danish People’s Party leader said. About 4.1 million people are eligible to vote in the Polls which closes at 8 p.m.