Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday called on Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to use Denmark’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union to reinforce the bloc’s commitment to democracy, accountability, and human rights.
In a public letter released Friday, HRW urged Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to prioritize “human rights, the rule of law, and accountability across the EU and beyond” during Denmark’s six-month term, which begins July 1.
The watchdog warned that the credibility of the EU is at stake. HRW Nordic Director Måns Molander said, “Denmark has a real opportunity to show principled leadership at a time when some EU governments are undermining fundamental rights and democratic safeguards.” He further stated, “The EU’s ability to defend its values depends on governments being willing to act, not just speak.”
HRW said Denmark should “take a firm stance on Hungary’s systemic rule-of-law violations” and help revive the Article 7 process. This enforcement mechanism could lead to the suspension of a member state’s voting rights for persistent rights violations. The Article 7 proceedings against Hungary have stalled for years due to political deadlock in the council.
In addition to EU-specific concerns, HRW emphasized the need for strong leadership on global justice, urging Denmark to support accountability efforts for serious international crimes, including in Ukraine and Gaza, and to defend corporate human rights due diligence rules under pressure from industry groups.
The call for action comes amid broader controversy over the role of European courts in shaping migration policy. On May 22, Denmark joined eight other EU countries, including Italy, Austria, and Poland, in signing a letter calling for changes to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) jurisprudence, claiming it impedes the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset warned that institutions that protect fundamental rights cannot bend to political cycles. HRW had criticized and called for a rights-centered approach to migration, urging Denmark to steer EU negotiations in that direction during its presidency.
Denmark will hold the rotating council presidency from July to December 2025, a pivotal period for the protection of EU values amid democratic backsliding within the bloc and escalating crises at Europe’s borders and further afield. Frederiksen’s government will take over the Council presidency as Hungary continues to face scrutiny over a legislative proposal critics say would stifle civil society and independent media. The transition comes as Hungary faces renewed scrutiny over its proposed “Transparency of Public Life” bill, introduced in May. The legislation has been condemned by 20 EU member states and described by the European Commission as a serious breach of EU values and the rule of law.
With transatlantic relations reeling from the first months of US President Donald Trump’s administration and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine entering a critical phase, the Danish Council Presidency will play an important role in guiding Europe through an ever more challenging environment.