British Ambassadors Emma Hopkins and Nicolai Stenfolk sign the UK-Danish Suffrage Treaty in Copenhagen. Credit: Maria Pedersen-EHopkinsFCDO/X
A new agreement between the UK and Denmark allows citizens to run for office and vote in each other’s countries.
On Thursday 8th February, a landmark treaty was agreed between the UK and Denmark.
This important agreement was led by British Ambassador Emma Hopkins and Nicolai Stenfork from the Danish Ministry of Home Affairs and Health, and was signed at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Copenhagen.
A new era for foreigners
Once ratified, the Treaty will pave the way for British expatriates in Denmark and Danish expatriates in the UK to actively participate in local electoral processes in their respective host countries.
This move not only cements the right to democratic participation of approximately 50,000 expatriates, but also is a testament to the enduring relationship between our two countries.
In a joint declaration, British Ambassador Emma Hopkins and Danish Ambassador Rene Dinesen expressed their excitement over the agreement. They said they were “delighted to have reached this agreement on voting rights between the UK and Denmark”. This will strengthen and protect the rights of approximately 50,000 nationals residing in each other’s countries to participate in local democracy. ”
deepening bonds of democracy
The treaty is a direct result of the UK-Danish Joint Statement signed by the foreign ministers of both countries the previous year.
This highlights our mutual commitment to democratic values and the strong ties that bind the UK and Denmark.
Denmark now joins a select group of countries including Poland, Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg that have similar voting rights agreements with the UK.
The ambassadors added: “As an important outcome of the UK-Danish joint statement signed by our foreign ministers last year, this treaty demonstrates the close relationship between our two countries and underlines our shared commitment to democracy. ” he said.
This landmark agreement not only fosters population involvement in local governance, but also serves as a shining example of international cooperation aimed at fostering democracy and cross-border understanding.
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