The French-German axis and the consequences for Danish security and defense engagements in Africa.

With the increased French-German leadership on European defense and security matter, Africa is back in as a significant priority. France has already called for EU member states to step up their military presence in Africa, and has been vocal about how transnational security threats of terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration in the Sahel region directly affect Europe’s security. This year Germany also has made Africa a priority of its G20 Presidency and has put strong emphasis on African security and migration. A first direct consequence of the renewed focus on Africa has been the deployment of a joint G5 Sahel force to counter cross border security threats. Accordingly, the pressure on Denmark to increase its military engagement to address European security concerns in Africa is on the rise. This project will 1) explore the growing pressure on Denmark to increase its military engagement in Africa, and 2) investigate how this may be handled bilaterally and multilaterally, not least in the light of the Danish Defence Opt-out of the EU. A short fieldwork stay will be conducted in Brussels, where interviews will be conducted in the European Commission, the European Union External Action Service and in the relevant national representations, as well as in NATO.