EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel on Wednesday welcomed Denmark's "historic choice" to join the bloc's joint defence policy, after referendum exit polls suggested an overwhelming majority of Danes voted in favour.

Denmark's decision was a "strong message of commitment to our common security", von der Leyen tweeted, saying Denmark and the European Union would benefit. Michel also hailed the country's "historic choice" on Twitter.

Flags of the European Union fly outside the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, May 21, 2021. (Photo: Xinhua)