It has been officially announced that Torsten Schack Pedersen (Venstre, V) will lead the negotiations for the upcoming emergency preparedness agreement in Denmark. As the new Minister of Society Safety and Emergency Preparedness, he assumes a central role in the ongoing defense agreement, which has previously been negotiated by Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen (V). The Minister of Defence expresses optimism that the agreement is expected to be completed before Christmas.

Former Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen was initially responsible for the negotiations; however, following a stress-related leave of absence and subsequent departure from Danish politics, Troels Lund Poulsen took over the responsibility. When asked whether changing the lead negotiator poses a problem, Troels Lund Poulsen dismisses this concern, assuring that he will ensure a smooth handover to Torsten Schack Pedersen. He also emphasizes Schack Pedersen’s prior experience, including his role as a committee member for the Home Guard and his tenure as political and financial spokesperson, which will be beneficial in the upcoming negotiations.

The new Ministry of Society Safety and Emergency Preparedness, which Torsten Schack Pedersen will head, was announced earlier this week by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Socialdemokratiet, S). In addition to the emergency preparedness agreement, the ministry’s responsibilities will include managing the Danish Emergency Management Agency, cybersecurity, crisis management, and supply security. Two additional ministries were also presented: one dedicated to the Green Transition and another focused on European affairs.