Europe’s Awakening; Volunteering is back; The end of letter delivery
Last Week in Denmark (02.03-09.03) Episode 9 Year 5
TOP 3 News
The European Union will spend 6,000 billion DKK on upgrading military capacities.
40% of the population is actively spending at least 18 hours volunteering per month.
The end of PostNord letter delivery from 2026.
Illustration made by Diana Bălașa
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Editor HQ
State of Denmark
“Our enemies – and there are a bit too many of them right now – are sitting and watching." Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister
Europe has spent decades relying on the American security umbrella. That era is now ending, whether we are ready for it or not. The London summit made it clear: European leaders are scrambling to figure out what’s next in a world where U.S. support is no longer a given. The message from Washington is mixed: sometimes dismissive, sometimes aggressive, but always unpredictable. The lesson? We need to stand on our own two feet.
Denmark is at a crossroads. The government is pushing for deeper European defense cooperation while also clinging to the old transatlantic alliance, hoping that things will eventually return to normal. But hope is not a strategy. The reality is that European security is no longer a shared priority in Washington. NATO remains, but its foundations are shaking. The question is not whether Europe should step up; it’s whether we can do it in time.
Talk of sending European troops to Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and massively increasing defense spending is no longer hypothetical. These are live discussions happening right now. Denmark is open to joining a peacekeeping force in Ukraine if a settlement is reached. But how will this work without clear U.S. backing? Will Europe be able to enforce peace without the American military might, which it has depended on for generations?
Meanwhile, the EU is preparing to spend 6,000 billion DKK on rearming the continent. For the first time, European countries are looking at what it actually means to build a military force independent of the U.S. Fighter jets, transport aircraft, tanks, missile systems: everything once taken for granted as part of the American arsenal is now something Europe needs to secure for itself. And it won’t be cheap.
The past few weeks have felt like the beginning of a new reality. The old world order is gone. The question is: can Denmark and the rest of Europe adapt before it’s too late?
Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!
Images of the week
🐺 Silent hunters caught on camera. A rare glimpse into the secretive world of Denmark’s wild wolves — new footage from a night camera captures a pack moving through the darkness, their eyes glowing as they track their prey. See the footage here.
📸 Striking moments through Danish lenses. The best of photojournalism was honored this week, showcasing ten powerful images that captured everything from raw human emotion to dramatic moments in nature and society. See the winners here.
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Danish Politics HQ
New laws
🇩🇰🤝🇫🇮 Denmark and Finland strengthen defense ties. The Defense Minister has signed an agreement with Finland to enhance cooperation in the Baltic Sea, NATO training missions, and F-35 operations, including joint training in Nordic conditions. The two nations will also explore joint defense procurement, with Denmark buying an aerial refueling aircraft for shared use. This builds on last week’s announcement that a Norwegian-Finnish company, Nammo, will restart ammunition production at the Krudten factory in Denmark.
🥦 Big school meal trial kicks off. The government is investing 854 million DKK in a national school meal pilot from 2025 to 2028, testing different models of free and low-cost lunches in both public and private schools. The goal is to see how healthy food affects learning, well-being, and social interaction. Schools will trial both local and external food production and different parent payment options (0, 15, or 25 DKK per meal).
🔧 Boost for vocational education. The government plans to invest 660 million DKK annually from 2030 to strengthen vocational schools, aiming to reduce dropout rates and attract more students. Schools will get more funding and flexibility to improve learning environments, teacher training will be expanded, and foreign apprenticeships will be encouraged.
Political scene
🇩🇰 Denmark reacts to Trump's Ukraine betrayal. Politicians across the spectrum expressed disbelief and frustration over Trump’s decision to pause U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The move has been called deeply concerning, with some accusing Trump of siding with Putin. Others warn of dire consequences for Ukraine’s war effort and argue that Europe must step up its own security efforts. There is a growing sentiment that the U.S. can no longer be relied upon under Trump, and Europe must prepare to stand on its own.
🇩🇰 Foreign investors buying farmland sparks debate. Foreign capital funds have acquired large tracts of farmland in Denmark, driving up prices and raising fears of losing control over national resources. Some call for a reversal of 2015 liberalization laws, while others argue that foreign investment helps sustain the agricultural sector. The government says it will monitor the situation closely, but critics demand stricter regulations to prevent speculative land grabs.
🇬🇱 Greenland’s political system explained. Greenland’s path to self-governance has evolved from home rule (1979) to self-rule (2009), with increasing autonomy from Denmark being granted. While Denmark still oversees foreign affairs, defense, and law enforcement, Greenland controls most domestic matters, including education, health, and resource management. The block grant from Denmark, now over 4 billion DKK annually, supports Greenland’s economy. Inatsisartut (parliament) and Naalakkersuisut (government) shape policy, and with elections on March 11, Greenlanders will decide their political future.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
💶 ECB cuts interest rates again. The European Central Bank has lowered rates to 2.5%, marking the sixth cut since mid-2024. Inflation is easing, yet economic growth remains weak. Denmark’s Nationalbank has followed suit, lowering key interest rates by 0.25% from March 7. More cuts may come before summer, but uncertainty from EU defense spending and Trump’s tariff threats could change the outlook.
🍽️ New wage deal for hospitality workers. A new three-year agreement has been reached for 70,000 hotel and restaurant employees, increasing minimum wages by 1,700 DKK, raising weekend/evening pay by 3.5%, and boosting pension contributions. The deal also introduces better sick pay, extra paid parental leave, and more flexibility for young workers.
💰 People abroad owe billions in unpaid debt. A record 175,000 people have left Denmark with a combined debt of 18.1 billion DKK, including unpaid taxes, student loans, and fines. Politicians are demanding action, but debt collection abroad is tricky; without international agreements and valid addresses, enforcement is difficult. Despite efforts, the problem has grown, with debt increasing by over a billion DKK in the past year.
📈 Crypto surges as Trump pushes U.S. crypto reserve. Bitcoin jumped 8.6% and Ethereum 7.1% after Trump announced plans for a state-backed crypto reserve. The move aims to stabilize digital currencies and attract innovation to the U.S. Experts say it could reduce crypto volatility and boost investor confidence. Meanwhile, European policymakers remain hesitant, despite crypto’s growing economic impact.
💣 Denmark rethinks massive arms deal after Trump’s NATO chaos. Denmark’s plan to buy Patriot missile systems from the U.S. is in question after Trump signaled that allies can’t count on American protection. The 25 billion DKK defense deal was supposed to secure Denmark’s place on “Team USA,” but after Trump’s public scolding of Ukraine, doubts are growing about the reliability of American weapons. European competitor Eurosam now looks like a safer bet with its SAMP/T system, which has already been battle-tested in Ukraine.
State of the markets
📬 End of an era: PostNord to stop delivering letters in Denmark. After centuries of postal service, Denmark’s mail delivery will officially come to an end by the end of this year. With letter volumes down 90% since 2000, PostNord will now focus entirely on parcels, reflecting the digital shift in communication. The change means 1,500 employees will lose their jobs, a decision met with shock and sadness among staff.
📬 PostNord says goodbye to letters; Dao steps in. From 2026, Dao will take over nationwide letter delivery, promising lower prices and improved service. Unused stamps from 2024-2025 can be refunded in 2026. As Denmark embraces digital communication, letter-sending is becoming a thing of the past.
🚗 Tesla crashes in Denmark’s car market. Just two years ago, Tesla was Denmark’s best-selling car brand. Now? It has dropped to 10th place. Fierce competition from German and French automakers, price cuts across the board, and a growing number of politically conscious consumers. Volkswagen is dominating with a 37% market share, led by the ID.4.
🌍 EU’s plan to cut red tape sparks green backlash. The European Commission wants to slash up to 35% of bureaucratic requirements for small and medium-sized businesses, arguing it will boost competitiveness against the U.S. and China. Business leaders welcome the move, saying excessive paperwork stifles innovation. But green NGOs warn it’s a disguised rollback of climate accountability.
Entrepreneurship
🧪 Big boost for green biotech. Denmark is investing 60 million DKK in new test and development facilities to help companies scale up biosolutions, a fast-growing industry focused on eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products. The funding will support CO2-to-protein and precision fermentation, key technologies in reducing meat and dairy emissions. Applications for funding are now open.
Danish Daily Life HQ
☀️ Spring is here – get outside! After a long, dark winter, sunlight isn’t just a mood booster; it actually makes you think and remember better. More daylight means more dopamine and serotonin, which helps fight off winter blues. Sunlight on your skin also kicks off vitamin D production, strengthening your immune system. But here’s the catch: you need at least 30 minutes outside daily to get the full benefits. Even on cloudy days, stepping outside helps. So go for a walk, soak up the light, and let your brain and body recharge.
🧘 How to stay sane in uncertain times. If the state of the world is stressing you out, you’re not alone. Psychologists say it’s natural to feel uneasy when everything seems unpredictable. The key? Stick to your routines, eat well, and get enough sleep. Balance your news intake; doomscrolling won’t help, but neither will total avoidance. Set a limit, like checking the news just once a day. Talk to others instead of bottling up worries, and most importantly, remember: good things are still happening.
🤝 More people in Denmark are volunteering. In 2023, 40% of the population engaged in volunteer work, reversing a 20-year decline. More active seniors and short-term initiatives drive the trend, with volunteers averaging 18 hours per month. Informal help is also rising; 63% assisted neighbors or friends in 2024, up 10 points from pre-pandemic levels. Volunteers report higher trust in institutions, suggesting that giving back might just boost optimism.
🎨 Hobbies are making a comeback. If work thoughts still buzz in your head after hours or you can’t let go of your screen, you’re not alone. More people are turning to ceramics and knitting as a way to unplug and reset. The appeal? You can’t scroll while shaping clay, and following a knitting pattern forces you to focus. Experts say the trick to finding a lasting hobby is to embrace imperfection, revisit childhood passions, or do something for others.
🌱 Get your garden spring-ready. As winter fades, it’s time to give your garden some care. Start by preparing the soil; adding Garden Lime early helps it absorb nutrients and reduces moss in the lawn. Resist the urge to clear fallen leaves just yet; they act as natural fertilizer while worms do their work. If you’re eager to plant, go for ranunculus, primroses, or violets, which thrive in cooler weather.
🏠 Yes, your toddler can help set the table. And your 4-year-old? They can hang laundry. Giving kids chores isn’t about free labor; it’s about teaching them responsibility and making them feel part of the family. Experts say even 2-year-olds can clean up toys and carry their own bag, while 8-year-olds can cook a meal or walk the dog. The problem? Many parents hesitate to enforce chores, fearing conflict. But setting expectations early helps kids navigate emotions and understand their role in a community.
🚒 Crocheted comfort for kids in crisis. A new initiative by Trekantbrand aims to bring comfort to children experiencing traumatic emergencies. Instead of plastic helmets, handmade crocheted teddy bears will be given out by firefighters to help soothe and distract young minds from distressing situations.
🕊️ Helping widowed men through grief. Losing a partner can be overwhelming, and men over 65 often struggle to seek support. That’s why the National Grief Center is launching Søndagsklubben: a space where widowers can meet over everyday activities like cooking lunch, with conversations about grief happening naturally. Studies show that widowed men face higher risks of loneliness and hospitalization, especially in the first year after loss.
🎃 Halloween beats Fastelavn among kids. While schools across Denmark celebrated Fastelavn this week with the traditional “slå katten af tønden,” most kids don’t see it as a big deal. A new survey shows that 61% prefer Halloween, while only 6% choose Fastelavn. The reason? Halloween is scarier, lasts longer, and involves more fun activities like trick-or-treating and haunted houses. And despite the ongoing political tension with the U.S., kids aren’t connecting Halloween to American influence.
🌍 Hitchhiking from Copenhagen to Australia on 35 DKK a day. After 130 days on the road, two Danish travelers have made it through Europe, Central Asia, and Singapore, relying on lifts, shared meals, and the kindness of strangers. They’ve been welcomed into homes, worked on farms, and made friends in places where hospitality is a way of life. But their journey has left them wondering: why isn’t it like this in Denmark? Experts point to the welfare state, where trust is placed in systems rather than neighbors.
📺 New DR series revisits Denmark’s role in slavery. “Slave af Danmark” dives into the country’s colonial past, blending historical facts with dramatization. The series focuses on Denmark’s most intense period of slavery in the late 1700s, using expert research, court records, and personal accounts to portray both the enslaved and the powerful plantation owners. While some creative liberties are taken, the goal is clear: to bring a complex and often-overlooked history into the spotlight.
International Community HQ
New columns
This week sees the return of two LWID regulars!
John Dixon’s popular travel column Jeg Tog til Tog stops off in Horsens this week, taking in industrial museums, street art, and great food!
Rasna Kaur Mistry always manages to strike a chord when it comes to parenting as an international! This week’s From London to Denmark via Covid… column is an honest take on juggling those everyday pressures!
And we’re also delighted to have a new column from Josephine Basthof, a native Dane and longstanding LWID fan! Josephine’s column Being Danish will explore “everything from the hidden rules of hygge to the intricacies of the Danish tax system, from why Danes love discussing “arbejdsglæde” (work happiness) to how to survive the long, dark winters with your sanity intact. Some topics will be lighthearted, others more serious, but all will be written with the goal of helping internationals feel more at home in Denmark.”
New reporting
Sandani Gunawardane makes her LWID debut with a “How to….” article all about how to open a personal bank account as an international in Denmark.
With the current state of world politics, we all need reminders of good things happening out there. Ali Lewis takes a closer look at Denmark’s pioneering record with LGBTQ+ rights, especially the surprising role our small country has played in transgender history.
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"enforce peace" - that's a boring misunderstanding of peace... And what the EU is seeking is not "peace" or "security", but hegemony, which is faltering.