[Denmark] EU risks alienating Denmark by weighing in on wage dispute

Historically Denmark’s relationship with the EU has mirrored that of the UK. Both countries applied for membership in 1961 and ultimately joined in 1973. However, the government in Copenhagen now says that the EU’s intention to weigh in on a minimum-wage framework across the bloc might be a step too far for Denmark.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Danish Employment Minister Peter Hummelgaard Thomsen said sovereignty over labour market laws has always been a condition of Denmark’s EU membership. Adding that Denmark is ready to fight the EU to maintain that independence.

In the 1970s, Danish labour unions agreed to EU membership on the assumption “that handing over authority to the EU would not endanger the Danish labour market model,” the employment minister said. But the European Commission’s insistence on an EU-wide framework for minimum wages has triggered “frustration and concern” in Denmark, as the country realises that Brussels “could potentially intervene in something very, very sacred to us,” Hummelgaard Thomsen said.

Bloomberg has the full story.

Historically Denmark’s relationship with the EU has mirrored that of the UK. Both countries applied for membership in 1961 and ultimately joined in 1973. However, the government in Copenhagen now says that the EU’s intention to weigh in on a minimum-wage framework across the bloc might be a step too far for Denmark.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Danish Employment Minister Peter Hummelgaard Thomsen said sovereignty over labour market laws has always been a condition of Denmark’s EU membership. Adding that Denmark is ready to fight the EU to maintain that independence.

In the 1970s, Danish labour unions agreed to EU membership on the assumption “that handing over authority to the EU would not endanger the Danish labour market model,” the employment minister said. But the European Commission’s insistence on an EU-wide framework for minimum wages has triggered “frustration and concern” in Denmark, as the country realises that Brussels “could potentially intervene in something very, very sacred to us,” Hummelgaard Thomsen said.

Bloomberg has the full story.