Brief
History
From the 17th century - Denmark has had close
relations with foreign countries and especially with its Scandinavian
neighbours - as a neutral state. The diplomatic connection
was established through the Kings special Foreign department
- which was a particular section in the central administration
in Copenhagen. Around 1770 - the Foreign
department was separated from the Chancellery premises - and
named the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - with
one minister and a handful of employees.
World
Wars
After the introduction in 1849 - of the new
Danish Constitution - and during the First World War
the interest in foreign policy enhanced between the politicians
at the Danish Rigsdag (Parliament). To achieve
more influence on the international scene - a Foreign Policy
Committee was create in 1923 - but during
the Second World War - and occupation of
the Danish Kingdom - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had hardly
any authority on the political arena like most other conquered
countries.
World
Organisations
After the Second World War - and up to today - the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs has contributed to form multilateral collaboration
with organisations such as the UN - NATO - OECD -
EU - WTO and many more - plus service the many embassies
and overseas offices abroad under the jurisdiction of the
head office in Copenhagen. |
