Danish Maastricht Treaty referendum, 1993

Danish Maastricht Treaty referendum, 1993
Denmark

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A second referendum on the Maastricht Treaty was held in Denmark on 18 May 1993.[1] After rejecting the treaty in a referendum the previous year, this time it was approved by 56.7% of voters with an 86.5% turnout.[2]

Contents

Background

It was the second attempt to ratify the Maastricht Treaty, which could not come into effect unless ratified by all members of the European Union. Thus, the Edinburgh Agreement granted Denmark four exceptions from the Maastricht Treaty, leading to its eventual ratification.

Results

Choice Votes %
For 1,930,391 56.7
Against 1,471,914 43.3
Invalid/blank votes 34,635
Total 3,436,940 100
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Aftermath

When the result of the referendum was announced, the outcome and frustrations about the referendum being held only a year after the Danes had rejected the previous treaty led to riots in the Nørrebro area of Copenhagen, during which the police fired 113 shots into a crowd when it was trapped. 11 people were subsequently treated for gunshot wounds.

Notes

  1. ^ Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p525 ISBN 9873832956097
  2. ^ Maastricht-traktaten & Edinburgh-afgørelsen 18. maj 1993 EU Oplysningen (Danish)