Uffe Ellemann-Jensen
Encyclopedia
Uffe Ellemann-Jensen (ˈufə ɛləmæn ˈjɛnsn̩, informal: [⁽ˈ⁾ufə ˈɛləˌmænˀ] (born 1 November 1941) was Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
in the Conservative led Poul Schlüter
Administration 1982–1993. He was leader of the Danish Liberal
Party, Venstre
1984–1998 and President of the European Liberals
1995–2000. Since 1998, Ellemann-Jensen has been Chairman of Baltic Development Forum
, a non-profit networking organisation dedicated to the business development of the Baltic Sea
region. He is non-executive director
of various boards of international companies.
A strong supporter of NATO and the European Union
based upon his belief in Western cohesion led to many political battles with the left-wing opposition. Several times the opposition tried to topple him on issues of solidarity within NATO, but he survived. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen succeeded in convincing a majority in the Danish Parliament
, Folketinget, to actively support the US led coalition against Iraq
during the Gulf War
. Furthermore, he led the Danish recognition of the renewed independence of the three Baltic countries in 1991, when Denmark was the first country to re-establish diplomatic relations with the three countries. In 1992, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen co-founded the Council of the Baltic Sea States
.
After the fall of the centre-right government, in which he also served as Deputy Prime Minister, in 1993 following the "Tamil case", he became leader of the opposition until the 1998 general election
, which he lost with a single seat. Had his party had only 85 more votes, he would have been able to form a new centre-right government as Prime Minister. He decided then to leave politics and his successor as the leader of Venstre
was Anders Fogh Rasmussen
, who became Prime Minister of Denmark in 2001.
The new active Danish foreign policy continued after Uffe Ellemann-Jensen's 10 years term as Foreign Minister and ultimately became a turning point in Danish foreign and defence policy. It has since become known as the Ellemann-Jensen doctrine
.
In 1995, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen was a candidate for the post of Secretary-General
of NATO when Willy Claes
was forced to leave the role. He got the support of the U.S.
government, but France
blocked his candidature, preferring the Spanish candidate, Javier Solana
. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen never tried to hide his disappointment with not getting the post that he had wanted all his political life.
Since leaving politics, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen has become a columnist with the Danish daily Berlingske Tidende
and a contributor to Project Syndicate
.
Ellemann-Jensen became a central figure in the controversy
following the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten
's decision to print 12 satirical images of the Islamic prophet Muhammad
in September 2005. In his column, only days after the cartoons were printed, he argued that he thought the cartoons represented an "unnecessary provocation", believing they constituted in itself a caricature of Denmark's "cherished freedom of expression". Ellemann-Jensen remained that position all through the controversy at the same time never missing an opportunity to support the Danish Prime Minister's stance that the government could not and should not take punitive action against the newspaper.
Uffe Ellemann-Jensen has always been protective of his private life. However, it is well-known that he is an avid hunter
and fly fisher
, as well as the author of several best-selling books. Especially those about his time as Foreign Minister and the Cold War
have gained him broad recognition and critical respect.
On 18 December 2002, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Dannebrog. It is very unusual for a politician in Denmark not having been Prime Minister to be awarded the Grand Cross.
On 12 February 2010 Uffe Ellemann-Jensen received the highest accolade of the Republic of Macedonia, the 8th of September Order for his contribution to the strengthening of Danish-Macedonian relations and for promotion of Macedonia in its initial years of independence in the early 1990s.
Jens Peter Jensen. In 1971 he married his partner for several years, Alice Vestergaard. They have four children, among them Karen Ellemann
.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
in the Conservative led Poul Schlüter
Poul Schlüter
Poul Holmskov Schlüter is a Danish politician, who served as Prime Minister of Denmark from 1982 to 1993.Born in Tønder, south Jutland, he graduated from the University of Copenhagen in 1957 with a degree in law, and joined the bar in 1960. Schlüter was a member of the Danish Parliament for the...
Administration 1982–1993. He was leader of the Danish Liberal
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
Party, Venstre
Venstre (Denmark)
VenstreThe party name is officially not translated into any other language, but is in English often referred to as the Liberal Party. Similar rules apply for the name of the party's youth wing Venstres Ungdom. , full name Venstre, Danmarks Liberale Parti , is the largest political party in Denmark...
1984–1998 and President of the European Liberals
European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party
The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party is a European political party mainly active in the European Union, composed of 56 national-level liberal and liberal-democratic parties from across Europe...
1995–2000. Since 1998, Ellemann-Jensen has been Chairman of Baltic Development Forum
Baltic Development Forum
' is an independent, non-profit high-level and agenda-setting networking organization with members from large companies, major cities, institutional investors, business associations and academia in the Baltic Sea Region...
, a non-profit networking organisation dedicated to the business development of the Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is a brackish mediterranean sea located in Northern Europe, from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude. It is bounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, the mainland of Europe, and the Danish islands. It drains into the Kattegat by way of the Øresund, the Great Belt and...
region. He is non-executive director
Non-executive director
A non-executive director or outside director is a member of the board of directors of a company who does not form part of the executive management team. He or she is not an employee of the company or affiliated with it in any other way...
of various boards of international companies.
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
based upon his belief in Western cohesion led to many political battles with the left-wing opposition. Several times the opposition tried to topple him on issues of solidarity within NATO, but he survived. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen succeeded in convincing a majority in the Danish Parliament
Parliament
A parliament is a legislature, especially in those countries whose system of government is based on the Westminster system modeled after that of the United Kingdom. The name is derived from the French , the action of parler : a parlement is a discussion. The term came to mean a meeting at which...
, Folketinget, to actively support the US led coalition against Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
during the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. Furthermore, he led the Danish recognition of the renewed independence of the three Baltic countries in 1991, when Denmark was the first country to re-establish diplomatic relations with the three countries. In 1992, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen co-founded the Council of the Baltic Sea States
Council of the Baltic Sea States
The Council of the Baltic Sea States is an overall political forum for regional intergovernmental cooperation which addresses the five priority areas of the environment, economic development, energy, education and culture, civil security and human dimension, including trafficking in human...
.
After the fall of the centre-right government, in which he also served as Deputy Prime Minister, in 1993 following the "Tamil case", he became leader of the opposition until the 1998 general election
Danish parliamentary election, 1998
Parliamentary elections were held in Denmark on 11 March 1998. The Social Democratic Party-led government of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen remained in power in a very close vote that required several recounts. The right-wing parties led by Venstre had been expected to win. Venstre leader Uffe...
, which he lost with a single seat. Had his party had only 85 more votes, he would have been able to form a new centre-right government as Prime Minister. He decided then to leave politics and his successor as the leader of Venstre
Venstre (Denmark)
VenstreThe party name is officially not translated into any other language, but is in English often referred to as the Liberal Party. Similar rules apply for the name of the party's youth wing Venstres Ungdom. , full name Venstre, Danmarks Liberale Parti , is the largest political party in Denmark...
was Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Anders Fogh Rasmussen is a Danish politician, and the 12th and current Secretary General of NATO. Rasmussen served as Prime Minister of Denmark from 27 November 2001 to 5 April 2009....
, who became Prime Minister of Denmark in 2001.
The new active Danish foreign policy continued after Uffe Ellemann-Jensen's 10 years term as Foreign Minister and ultimately became a turning point in Danish foreign and defence policy. It has since become known as the Ellemann-Jensen doctrine
Ellemann-Jensen doctrine
The Ellemann-Jensen doctrine is a Danish idea specifically aimed at promoting small countries' ability to gain influence in the world order.The doctrine is not a written document but rather inspired by the former Danish Foreign Minister Uffe Ellemann-Jensen's term of office in which he promoted the...
.
In 1995, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen was a candidate for the post of Secretary-General
Secretary-General
-International intergovernmental organizations:-International nongovernmental organizations:-Sports governing bodies:...
of NATO when Willy Claes
Willy Claes
Willem Werner Hubert "Willy" Claes was the eighth Secretary General of NATO and a Belgian politician. He was a member of the Flemish Socialist Party....
was forced to leave the role. He got the support of the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
government, but France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
blocked his candidature, preferring the Spanish candidate, Javier Solana
Javier Solana
Francisco Javier Solana de Madariaga, KOGF is a Spanish physicist and Socialist politician. After serving in the Spanish government under Felipe González and Secretary General of NATO , he was appointed the European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary...
. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen never tried to hide his disappointment with not getting the post that he had wanted all his political life.
Since leaving politics, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen has become a columnist with the Danish daily Berlingske Tidende
Berlingske Tidende
Berlingske, previously known as Berlingske Tidende , is a Danish national daily newspaper based in Copenhagen...
and a contributor to Project Syndicate
Project Syndicate
Project Syndicate is an international not-for-profit newspaper syndicate and association of newspapers. It distributes commentaries and analysis by experts, activists, Nobel laureates, statesmen, economists, political thinkers, business leaders and academics to its member publications, and...
.
Ellemann-Jensen became a central figure in the controversy
Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy
The Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy began after 12 editorial cartoons, most of which depicted the Islamic prophet Muhammad, were published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten on 30 September 2005...
following the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten
Jyllands-Posten
Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten , commonly shortened to Jyllands-Posten or JP, is a Danish daily broadsheet newspaper. It is based in Viby, a suburb of Århus, and with a weekday circulation of approximately 120,000 copies, it is among the largest-selling newspaper in Denmark...
's decision to print 12 satirical images of the Islamic prophet Muhammad
Muhammad
Muhammad |ligature]] at U+FDF4 ;Arabic pronunciation varies regionally; the first vowel ranges from ~~; the second and the last vowel: ~~~. There are dialects which have no stress. In Egypt, it is pronounced not in religious contexts...
in September 2005. In his column, only days after the cartoons were printed, he argued that he thought the cartoons represented an "unnecessary provocation", believing they constituted in itself a caricature of Denmark's "cherished freedom of expression". Ellemann-Jensen remained that position all through the controversy at the same time never missing an opportunity to support the Danish Prime Minister's stance that the government could not and should not take punitive action against the newspaper.
Uffe Ellemann-Jensen has always been protective of his private life. However, it is well-known that he is an avid hunter
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
and fly fisher
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, as well as the author of several best-selling books. Especially those about his time as Foreign Minister and the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
have gained him broad recognition and critical respect.
On 18 December 2002, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Dannebrog. It is very unusual for a politician in Denmark not having been Prime Minister to be awarded the Grand Cross.
On 12 February 2010 Uffe Ellemann-Jensen received the highest accolade of the Republic of Macedonia, the 8th of September Order for his contribution to the strengthening of Danish-Macedonian relations and for promotion of Macedonia in its initial years of independence in the early 1990s.
Personal life
Uffe Ellemann-Jensen is the son of former member of the FolketingFolketing
The Folketing , is the national parliament of Denmark. The name literally means "People's thing"—that is, the people's governing assembly. It is located in Christiansborg Palace, on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen....
Jens Peter Jensen. In 1971 he married his partner for several years, Alice Vestergaard. They have four children, among them Karen Ellemann
Karen Ellemann
Karen Ellemann is a Danish member of parliament for the party Venstre and the current Minister for the Environment of Denmark and Minister for Nordic Cooperation.-Personal life:...
.
Published books
- De nye millionærer (The new millionaires), 1971
- Det afhængige samfund (The dependent society), 1972
- Hvad gør vi ved Gudenåen? (What should we do about Gudenåen), 1973
- Den truede velstand (The threatened wealth), 1974
- Økonomi (Economy), 1975
- Da Danmark igen sagde ja til det fælles (When Denmark once more said yes to the common), 1987
- Et lille land, og dog (A small country, or perhaps not), 1991
- Olfert Fischer i Golfen (Olfert FischerHDMS Olfert Fischer (F355)HDMS Olfert Fischer is a of the Kongelige Danske Marine .Laid down in December 1978 and commissioned in October 1981, the corvette operated in the Persian Gulf on two occasions, first in 1990 and 1991 as part of the multinational fleet enforcing the United Nations sanctions against Iraq, then...
in the GulfPersian GulfThe Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
), 1991, with Sv. E. Thiede - Din egen dag er kort (Your own day is short), 1996
- Rent ud sagt – indfald og udfald (Plainly spoken – ideas and attacks), 1997
- Sådan set (In a manner of speaking), 1997 with Erik Werner
- EU – derfor (EU – the reason), 1998
- Ude med snøren (Having the fishing line out), 2001
- Østen for solen (East of the sun), 2002
- FODfejl (Stepping in it), 2004
External links
- CV of Chairman Uffe Ellemann-Jensen at the website of Baltic Development ForumBaltic Development Forum' is an independent, non-profit high-level and agenda-setting networking organization with members from large companies, major cities, institutional investors, business associations and academia in the Baltic Sea Region...
- Commentary by Uffe Ellemann-Jensen at the website of Project SyndicateProject SyndicateProject Syndicate is an international not-for-profit newspaper syndicate and association of newspapers. It distributes commentaries and analysis by experts, activists, Nobel laureates, statesmen, economists, political thinkers, business leaders and academics to its member publications, and...