On 28 August, the EU defence ministers are invited to a pre-event to discuss a defence industry cooperation with Ukraine, and Nordic defence cooperation, followed by a dinner at Frederiksberg Palace outside Copenhagen.

The informal meeting of defence ministers will take place on 29 August. Discussions will focus on EU security and defence cooperation, in particular on the EU’s military support to Ukraine and defence readiness. Discussions during the first part of the meeting will include the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine and how to further enhance defence industry cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. 

The second part of the meeting will focus on the EU’s defence readiness and the implementation of the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. Discussions are expected to include the ongoing simplification work in the area of defence in the EU, which aims to remove administrative obstacles to strengthening the EU Member States’ defence capability. In addition, special focus will be placed on the work with joint capability projects, for which Sweden, among others, has expressed interest in taking a leading role on a number of projects. 

Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2025. Under the banner of ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Presidency will work for a secure Europe and a competitive and green Europe.