European strategic autonomy as seen from Denmark: essentially contested

From a Danish outlook, the concept of strategic autonomy is highly contested.
Because of Denmark’s special status within EU security and defence with a
national opt-out from EU defence cooperation, the initial response to the EU
achieving capacity for autonomous action has been one of ‘resistance’. The
essential fear is that strengthened European strategic autonomy can be interpreted
as an alternative to NATO and the transatlantic relationship. Indeed, Denmark
sees no credible alternative to the American collective defence guarantee.
That said, Danish policy makers are increasingly also realising the need for a
collective – and independent – ability to take responsibility for Europe’s own
security. Such an endeavour, however, must be in a form where the transatlantic
relationship is safeguarded, and increased strategic autonomy aims to strengthen
global partnerships. Within such a reading of the concept, increased autonomy
is also a way to shoulder a greater burden in security cooperation with the US as
perceived by Danish policymakers.