Denmark's parliament has overwhelmingly approved a new defence agreement allowing the US 'unhindered access' to its airbases in Karup, Skrydstrup, and Aalborg, and granting US soldiers jurisdiction over crimes committed in Denmark. Despite criticisms from politicians and human rights experts regarding sovereignty and potential human rights violations, the bill passed with 94 votes for and 11 against, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasizing the need for close ties with the US.
Denmark votes for defence bill giving US access to its airbases
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Denmark's parliament has overwhelmingly approved a new defence agreement allowing the US 'unhindered access' to its airbases in Karup, Skrydstrup, and Aalborg, and granting US soldiers jurisdiction over crimes committed in Denmark. Despite criticisms from politicians and human rights experts regarding sovereignty and potential human rights violations, the bill passed with 94 votes for and 11 against, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasizing the need for close ties with the US.
Trending- 1 December 2023: The defence agreement was signed under the Biden administration.
- 2 May: Peter Vedel Kessing of the Danish Institute for Human Rights spoke to The Guardian about the bill's risks.
- 3 Tuesday: Danish justice minister Peter Hummelgaard held a consultation on the bill.
- 4 Wednesday (article date): The Danish parliament (Folketinget) voted overwhelmingly in favor of adopting the defence bill.
- Increased US military presence and activities on Danish soil
- US soldiers operating under US jurisdiction in Denmark
- Potential implications for Danish sovereignty and human rights
- Strengthened US-Denmark defence ties
What: Denmark's parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new defence agreement giving the US 'unhindered access' to its airbases and allowing US soldiers to remain under US jurisdiction for crimes committed in Denmark.
When: Wednesday (vote occurred, implied by article publication date), December 2023 (agreement signed under Biden administration), May (Danish Institute for Human Rights statement).
Where: Denmark, specifically airbases in Karup, Skrydstrup, and Aalborg.
Why: To maintain close ties with the US, especially amid heightened tensions and concerns about potential US withdrawal from Europe or reduced aid to Ukraine.
How: The Danish parliament (Folketinget) voted 94-11 in favor of adopting the bill, despite strong criticism from some politicians and human rights experts.