Danish opt-outs and opt-ins

Danish opt-outs and opt-ins

The Danish and British Governments have opt-in and opt-out-arrangements for home and justice affairs allowing these countries to decide whether they want to participate in joint legislation.

The Danish opt-outs from the Treaty of Nice continue in the Lisbon Treaty. The Danish derogations relate to defence, citizenship, the euro and home and justice affairs plus secondary housing.

The vast majority of members in the Danish Parliament want to abolish most derogations and the request has been part of the latest government programs. It must be decided by referendum, however, and none of the governments has dared to ask the people again in fear of another No.