Digital priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Since July 1st, Denmark has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, taking over from Poland. At the start of the semester, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen presented the Presidency’s priorities to the European Parliament, focusing on a “safer, greener, and more dynamic Europe.” Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s commitment to strengthening security, particularly by supporting Ukraine, promoting the green transition, and boosting European competitiveness. “Europe must adapt to a new world, and the Danish Presidency will work to ensure that we are ready,” she declared.

During the handover ceremony on July 3rd, outgoing President António Costa emphasized the importance of continuity between Presidencies, noting how the Portuguese semester laid the groundwork for the Danish work. “We worked for a more resilient and cohesive Europe. Denmark will continue on this path, with determination,” Costa said, wishing success for the new semester.

Among the first key events is the informal Council of EU ministers responsible for competitiveness — research, internal market, and industry — to be held in Copenhagen, centered on the theme “Tomorrow’s Europe – sustainable, innovative and competitive.” The focus will be Europe’s ability to strengthen its industrial base and support critical technologies. The summit, structured in two sessions between July 16 and 18, will concentrate on the strategic role of research and innovation within the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with particular attention to the future framework programme for research. Issues related to industrial competitiveness will also be discussed from the perspectives of sustainability and innovation. Key topics include the development of critical technologies such as quantum, biotech, and cleantech, and the delicate balance between energy-intensive industries and the green transition. The discussion will also cover how to mobilize private investment to support Europe’s clean industry. On the sidelines, ministers will visit the Niels Bohr Institute, a symbol of European scientific excellence in quantum physics.

A significant dossier is the digital euro. The Danish Presidency has confirmed the goal of reaching a general approach on the package proposed by the European Commission in June 2023 by the end of 2025. During the Ecofin Council on July 8th, Danish Economy Minister Stephanie Lose clarified that the three central political issues are: governance of holding limits, respect for privacy, and the compensation model. “The debate among ministers will not be substantive but political, to confirm commitment and verify a shared understanding of the issues to be resolved,” she specified.

The Danish Presidency will also have to manage the next steps in implementing the AI Act. On July 4th, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stated that the Commission takes the concerns of industry and Member States “extremely seriously.” He indicated the possibility of postponing the code of good practices for generative AI models such as GPT-4 and Gemini, and reducing administrative burdens via the digital Omnibus expected by the end of the year. An “AI desk” has been established to assist companies with compliance.

Thus, all eyes are on July 10th, the date scheduled for the presentation of the European Code of Good Practices for GPAI (General-Purpose AI) models. Sources close to the Commission confirm improvements to the text, particularly regarding risks to fundamental rights. The code, initially expected in May, will apply to providers of models with high systemic risk starting August 2nd. Early adoption — by the end of 2025 — could provide legal certainty for businesses. Otherwise, the AI Act deadlines will apply: 2026 for new models, 2027 for existing ones.

We can only await the developments of the Danish semester, perhaps enjoying the fresh breeze of a European summer that promises to be full of challenges and crucial decisions.