EU cooperation
The Integration Ministry cooperates with the EU in many fields, including asylum, immigration, repatriation, the combat of illegal immigration together with controlling borders and visas as a part of the Schengen Agreement, which also concerns the free movement of EU citizens.
Development in this area has moved quickly since 1999, when the Amsterdam Treaty meant that it became part of the EU's supranational cooperation. In connection with meetings of the Council of Europe, heads of governments and states have also mapped out numerous political guidelines and worked out a plan of action for working in this field, which has been given high priority.
It is important to note that in this field, Denmark has an opt-out clause. The opt-out clause for legal and interior issues means that Denmark can not participate in the passing of bills in the area and is not legally bound. If the case in question is legislation pertaining to the Schengen Agreement, Denmark can choose to join the legislation within six months of its passage.
Denmark has up to the present time affiliated itself with all Schengen legislation included in the opt-out clause. Denmark is able to participate fully in cooperation elsewhere and participates in meetings in Brussels on equal footing with other member countries.
The Integration Ministry participates in the Council of Europe meetings on legal and interior matters, while the International Division participates in preliminary meetings in an official capacity in Brussels.