Migration and competitiveness: the Minister for European Affairs' visit to the Netherlands
Today, the Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, visited The Hague. The visit was part of the preparations for Denmark's upcoming EU presidency in the second half of 2025. During the visit, she met with a number of political actors in the Netherlands - not least with migration and competitiveness being topics of importance.
The Minister for European Affairs met with, among others, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp.
"The Dutch government is, just like the Danish, deeply involved in finding solutions to Europe's migration challenges so fewer irregular migrants enter Europe, and we get to send more back. I am thrilled that Denmark's migration policy is gradually being well-received in many other European countries. It is a positive development for the future of Europe. Denmark and the Netherlands are standing strong together at the helm for a majority of EU member countries who are working on new solutions", Marie Bjerre stated.
The Minister for European Affairs also got the chance to meet with the Dutch think tank, Clingendael, as well as a representative from one of Europe's leading tech companies, ASML, to discuss the competitiveness of the EU.
"I also want to discuss another huge challenge that the EU faces - European competitiveness. Here, there is a need for acute reinforcement if Europe ought to continue being an influential continent. Also here, it is undeniable that the government must collaborate with the government in The Hague", Marie Bjerre expressed before the visit.
Finally, the Minister for European Affairs met with the members of the Dutch government's Committee on European Affairs to present Danish perspectives and hear their viewpoints on potential European priorities.
Overall, a successful visit that offers a multitude of interesting and diverse solutions to the challenges that Europe faces.