- It is the right thing for Europe and for Denmark, stated Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) when she cast her vote.
When the polls closed at 8 pm on Wednesday evening, Danish Radio and TV 2 polls showed that 69 percent and 67 percent of Danes, respectively, had voted in favor of scrapping their reservation from participating in the EU's defense cooperation.
Votes with the heart
Twelve hours earlier, the polling stations had opened and around 4.2 million Danes with the right to vote had the opportunity to have their say on the Danish reservation.
- I really vote with my heart this time, because I think it is the right thing for Europe and for Denmark, and for our future, said Mette Frederiksen, according to Danmarks Radio, when she voted in Værløse, northwest of Copenhagen.
In the Folketing, there has been massive support for removing the defense exemption.
Of the parties in parliament, only the red-green Unity List and the two immigration-critical parties Dansk Folkeparti and Nye Borgerlige say no.
This is the third time that the Danish people will vote to remove one of the total of four EU reservations that Denmark has had since 1993.
Nobbed the euro
The Danes gave the thumbs down to the introduction of the euro in 2000 and in 2015 they refused to replace the reservation in the area of law with a so-called optional scheme.
So now it looks like the defense exemption - by far - is voted out.
One who has chosen to vote yes is Nina Davidsen from northern Jutland.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has played a role in her stance.
- I think it will make Europe stronger.
What will be the next country they attack?
she asks herself.
However, Søren Harrig Pedersen crosses in the no window.
- We have enough military in Europe and we have NATO, he says.
Bornholm residents Marianne and Flemming Olsen want Denmark to deepen its EU cooperation.
- It feels safe to stand strong together and be in a community, says Marianne Olsen.
The finalized election result is expected late on Wednesday evening.