OSLO, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Denmark officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on Thursday, marking the occasion with a visit by leaders from the European Commission and the European Council and an official opening ceremony in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city.
At the launch event, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pledged that Denmark would "do all we can to forge a more powerful and a more decisive Europe." She reaffirmed that the Nordic country would prioritize maintaining and strengthening European support for Ukraine during its six-month presidency.
"It has been said that we live in the age of predators. In this age, Europe must not end up being the prey. Instead, we need to rise up and show our true strength," she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended the opening ceremony, underscored the importance of Ukraine's EU membership aspirations. "We are on this path, and we want to move forward to become a member of the EU," he said, calling for support from all European leaders to open formal negotiation clusters.
European Council President Antonio Costa also reiterated the EU's commitment to Ukraine's membership process. He further highlighted the broader significance of the Danish presidency, noting that the start of a new rotating presidency brings renewed energy to the EU.
"The motto of the Danish presidency is 'A Strong Europe in a Changing World.' Under your leadership, I am confident that we will continue to make Europe more secure and more competitive," Costa added.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, praised Ukraine's reform efforts despite the ongoing conflict. She also urged that "we must not waste time" in the enlargement process of the EU.
Denmark's presidency of the Council of the European Union will run through the end of 2025. ■
