German refocus opens door for deeper Danish-German defence cooperation

German defence policy has undergone significant change the last few years. Germany is now getting ready to take a more active part in European security.

Germany is not Denmark's closest defence and security ally. Instead, Denmark has clearly prioritized its bonds to the US, the UK and France. However, that does not mean that Denmark should not still consider if changes in Germany might make it sensible to strengthen Danish-German cooperation on certain low-profile areas.

In the Policy Brief Jéronimo Barbin and Mikkel Runge Olesen argue that Denmark should take the opportunity to reassess its defence relationship with Germany. Increased naval cooperation could be a place to start, but the first step should come from Denmark.

Denmark should:

• Use the flux in German defence policies as an opportunity to reevaluate the Danish-German defence relationship in general;
• Consider if the recent Danish increase in personnel for Multinational Corps Northeast is sufficient to match Danish ambitions for Danish-German cooperation within this framework;
• Explore avenues for cooperation, especially with the German navy, on issues such as training, education and exercises. The Baltic Commanders Conference could be a forum for such initiatives.