A newly established Danish EU think tank claims political independence while being run entirely by members from the Danish People's Party, which advocates for Denmark's exit from the European Union.
A newly formed EU think tank in Denmark has declared itself politically independent, yet all of its board members are affiliated with the Danish People's Party (DF), a party that seeks Denmark's withdrawal from the European Union. This has raised concerns about its genuine independence and effectiveness as a think tank. Malte Boehm Larsen, the think tank’s chairman, acknowledges his and other board members' connections to DF but insists this does not affect their operations within the organization.
In an interview, Larsen, who is also a parliamentary candidate for DF, expressed understanding of the skepticism surrounding the think tank's credibility given its clear ties to a political party known for its anti-EU stance. This perception could influence how the think tank's research and findings are received both in Denmark and within the broader European context. He defended the organization by stating that its board members can maintain their professional duties without party influences interfering with the think tank’s mission.
The establishment of this think tank comes at a crucial time when discussions about EU membership and national sovereignty are especially pertinent within Danish politics. As the Danish People's Party has a history of opposing EU integration, the think tank's alignment raises questions about whether it can independently contribute to the EU policy discourse or simply reinforce the party's agenda. The impact of such organizations on public opinion and policy-making in Denmark will be closely monitored as they continue to emerge in the political landscape.
