Speakers:
H.E. Søren Kelstrup, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Czech Republic
Karel Havlíček, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic
Ondřej Matoušek, Deputy Director General of the European Affairs Section, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

What challenges lie ahead for Denmark during its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, and what implications does this have for the Czech Republic? These were the central questions explored in a recent panel discussion organized by the Institute for Politics and Society. The panel featured  Søren Kelstrup, Danish Ambassador to the Czech Republic; Karel Havlíček, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament; and Ondřej Matoušek from the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic. Together, the panel discussed how Europe can navigate an age of security threats, global upheavals, and the energy transition.

On July 1, 2025, Denmark assumed its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Its motto — “A Secure Europe in a Changing World” — reflects both its key priorities and the complex geopolitical context in which it operates. Europe is facing continued Russian aggression in Ukraine, strained transatlantic relations, tensions with China, and growing demands to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

“Europe must be able to take its fate into its own hands,” said Ambassador Søren Kelstrup.

Kelstrup emphasized that security is not merely a military issue, but also encompasses energy independence, economic resilience to global shocks, and the EU’s ability to remain competitive.

Ambassador Kelstrup outlined six focus areas for Denmark’s presidency:

1. Support for Ukraine and European security
2. Kelstrup emphasized the need for stricter migration management and return policies, stating,  “We need to have control over who enters the European Union — and why.” 
3. EU enlargement, including support for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans
4. Protection of democratic values and the rule of law
5. Ensuring affordable energy prices
6. Leadership in climate negotiations

Kelstrup also acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that achieving consensus among 27 member states would be no easy task: “Twenty-seven countries are a very wild beast,” he remarked with a hint of irony.

All speakers expressed appreciation for the previous presidency held by Poland. In a brief speech, Jacek Gajewski from the Polish Embassy thanked the audience for their trust and recalled that Warsaw had focused particularly on defense policy in light of the war in Ukraine. According to Ambassador Kelstrup, Denmark intends to actively continue those efforts.

Shifting to the topic of EU enlargement, Ondřej Matoušek highlighted that, in addition to Ukraine and Moldova, several other countries, such as Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, also hold candidate status.

“Should the enlargement policy be reformed?” he asked the audience.

Matoušek reminded the audience that current rules are quite strict and that any new member must be unanimously approved by all existing states. “Which could prove very difficult in the case of Ukraine,” he added.

Turning to economic priorities, Deputy Speaker Karel Havlíček categorized the EU’s priorities into two areas: security and economy. Both, however, are united by one common theme: competitiveness, which Havlíček believes the EU is rapidly losing, by stating, “The European Union needs a reset. We must create a predictable environment for entrepreneurs, invest heavily in research and development, and advance artificial intelligence.” 

Havlíček also proposed that Europe should leverage its defense policy not only for security and stability, but also as a strategic economic pillar.

The discussion demonstrated that the Council presidency is not just an administrative task, but a real opportunity to shape the European agenda. Denmark takes the lead at a time of transformation and uncertainty — and much will depend on its ability to coordinate, unify, and strategically steer the Union. The Czech Republic should see this not merely as an observer, but as an active part of a shared European solution.