Denmark Takes Over EU Presidency, Faces Tough Job
Bulgaria in EU | January 1, 2012, Sunday // 12:08| viewsBulgarian Peime Minister Boyko Borisov(R) welcomes Denmark`s Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmid during their official meeting in Sofia ,Bulgaria 05 December 2011. EPA/BGNES
Denmark has technically assumed the presidency of the European Union from Poland as of January 1, 2012, as the bloc continues efforts to tackle the euro crisis.
Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt has said Denmark aspires to "strengthen the EU in a difficult time," as cited by DPA.
High on the EU agenda are moves to strengthen integration in the 17-member eurozone to avert future crises, with non-euro nations like Denmark also invited to join a new fiscal compact. Britain has however said it would not take part.
Denmark hopes to serve as a 'bridge' between members of the eurozone and those outside, Danish EU Affairs Minister Nicolai Wammen said recently in Brussels.
With voters in Denmark having twice rejected replacing the Danish krone, Thorning-Schmidt's left-leaning coalition, which took office in October, wants to steer clear of any moves that would trigger a referendum on the matter.
Under the Danish constitution, a plebiscite must take place if a legal review establishes that sovereignty is being transferred from Denmark to the EU.
Denmark has been a EU member since 1973 and has held the EU presidency on six previous occasions, most recently in 2002.
The bloc has since changed significantly, most notably in size: it now comprises 27 countries, following the conclusion of accession talks with 10 new members during Denmark's last term.
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