Vótálann an Danmhairg 'Níl' ar rialacha an AE a ghlacadh

Danes have rejected adopting EU rules on cross-border policing in a referendum that could have seen the country take closer ties with the bloc, according to final results.

Denmark's centre-right government had wanted to abandon some Danish opt-outs from EU home affairs legislation.

But with all votes now counted, more than 53% said 'No' to the proposals.

The vote comes weeks after the Paris attacks and as Europe struggles to deal with record numbers of migrants.

"It is a clear no," Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said, adding he had "full respect" for the voters' decision.

Profile: Denmark's anti-EU party

The government, backed by the opposition, had campaigned for Yes, saying it would help Danish authorities in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Aiseolas

Several of the Paris attackers were French nationals who had been living in neighbouring Belgium. At least one surviving gunman, Salah Abdeslam, is thought to have fled across the French border in the aftermath of the shootings and suicide blasts in Paris on 13 November.

The result means Denmark will have to negotiate a special agreement to stay inside Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency which tackles organised crime and terrorism.

"We will work very hard for the Danes to get the best possible agreement. But it will be difficult," Soren Gade of the governing Venstre party told the Ritzau news agency.

Immigration concerns

The anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DPP), which props up Rasmussen's administration in parliament, had urged voters to say 'No' to avoid giving away further sovereignty to Brussels.

Although a 'Yes' vote would not have affected Denmark's opt-out on immigration, the DPP argued that it could eventually have led to immigration policies being dictated by the EU.

Unlike Denmark, the UK and Ireland have opt-ins on justice and home affairs legislation, which enable them to choose whether to accept or reject legislation on a case-by-case basis.

The result of the referendum is likely to be of interest in Britain, whose government is trying to renegotiate its relations with the EU before holding a vote on whether to remain in the bloc.

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