Speech by President von der Leyen at the Opening Ceremony of the Danish Presidency

Your Majesties,
Prime Minister, dear Mette,
President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, My dear friend António,

Mr Mayor,
Esteemed hosts, Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is no more fitting setting to mark the start of Denmark’s Presidency than this remarkable building, designed by one of your great 20th century visionaries, Arne Jacobsen. This building is not

only a work of art, but also a triumph of function. It captures what makes Denmark so special: the ability to blend style and practicality, to unite tradition with modernity, to stand strong and independent. Aarhus embodies those same values; gothic spires rise beside biotech labs, green innovation flourishes next to cobbled streets. It is a city rooted in history, yet fully focused on the future. I cannot think of a better place to discuss the way forward for our Union.

Prime Minister, dear Mette,

I remember the speech you gave at the closing of the Danish parliament last May. You said something powerful, yet simple: ‘Europe is here.’ That is so true. And today we deliver on the promise of this Danish Presidency, to build a strong Europe in a changing world. One that can stand on its own and deliver for the people of Europe.

And that starts with Ukraine.

Dear President, my friend, Volodymyr,

Europe continues to stand by your side. We maintain our financial support across all fronts – militarily, economically and politically. We continue to put pressure on Russia and will soon deliver the 18th

round of sanctions. And we will continue to move forward with your accession process, because Ukraine’s future is at the heart of the European Union.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We know that a strong Europe relies on a strong economy, on leading in the technologies of tomorrow and creating new jobs and opportunities. Here, in Denmark and Aarhus, you are showing the way. From offshore wind to green hydrogen, from design to pharma, from AI to aerospace; Danish companies are not just thriving, you are showing how we can lead in the sustainable economy of tomorrow. And crucially, you are building on the foundation of your social market economy. One that combines competitiveness with protection. That shows how governments, businesses and citizens can work together for the common good. This is the essence of the European way. A society that protects its people, but also enables them to take risks, to adapt and to succeed. This is the model we must strengthen, so that Europe does not only respond to change, but shapes it.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To build a stronger Europe, we need courage and we need optimism. And nowhere is that optimism more alive than here in Aarhus, the ‘Smilets by’ – the City of Smiles, indeed. A city where over half

the population is under 30; a city where heritage meets a high-tech future. So let us begin this Presidency with the energy of Aarhus, with the clarity of Arne Jacobsen, and with the courage of the Danes that our times demand. I look forward to working closely with you in the months ahead, dear Mette.

Thank you very much to all Danes, and long live Europe.