Denmark plans new embassies in 2024 and keeps Tanzania mission

Denmark’s government said the new embassies are part of its foreign and security policy strategy and are intended to strengthen the country’s diplomatic presence.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen briefed the Danish Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee on the plans.

According to the government, an embassy in Moldova would give Denmark a diplomatic presence in every state on Ukraine’s frontline. The embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is intended to strengthen Denmark’s presence in the Balkans, support efforts to stabilize the country and build resilience against external influence, and support Bosnian steps toward EU membership.

The government said the planned missions in Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina should also be viewed in light of Denmark’s assumption of the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2025, when EU enlargement efforts will be among Denmark’s tasks.

The government said the embassies in Malaysia and Tanzania will support its aim of building partnerships with countries outside the West. It added that the embassy in Tanzania will contribute to its Africa strategy, which it expects to launch next year, and that Danish companies have a strong presence in Malaysia, with about 100 Danish subsidiaries.

In background information, the government said the number of Danish missions fell to 94 in 2022 from 121 in 2000. It also said the 2024 Finance Bill proposes increasing funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by 12% between now and 2027.