Free startup protection; Support for low-income kids; Stricter residency rules
Last Week in Denmark (04.05-11.05) Episode 18 Year 5
TOP 3 News
New laws bar undocumented migrants from driving, studying, or starting businesses.
New scheme offers free help to register trademarks and protect startup ideas.
41 million DKK invested to help low-income kids join sports and clubs.
Illustration made by Diana Bălașa
The Last Week in Denmark podcast is where two co-hosts unpack the top 3 news stories of the week through their international lens. It’s personal, it’s global, it’s Denmark-ish. Listen to the new episode now: Spotify. Apple Podcasts. YouTube. Amazon Music.
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Images of the week
🌪️ Tiny tornado spins across the fields. A rare “støvdjævel,” or dust devil, was spotted dancing across farmland in Denmark this week. The mini twister, caused by warm air rising quickly from sun-heated soil, whirled up loose dust in a surprising show of nature’s power. See the images here.
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Danish Politics HQ
New laws
🔧 Historic boost for vocational education. A broad political agreement will invest nearly 1 billion DKK annually from 2030 to upgrade vocational training. The deal includes better pay for schools, more practical teaching, stronger links between school and apprenticeships, easier access to school housing, and five times more international exchange opportunities for students. Schools get more freedom to decide how to improve quality locally. The goal? More skilled workers for green jobs, healthcare, and industry.
Law proposals
🚫 No rights without legal stay, says government. A new law package aims to bar undocumented migrants from driving, starting businesses, receiving education or healthcare beyond emergencies, and holding yellow health cards. The proposal also expands knife bans to all asylum centers and allows police to create search zones. Ministers argue the changes are about fairness and enforcing rules, with visible flags in the CPR register to identify those without valid residency. If approved, the measures will take effect by the end of 2025.
🌿 Jail time for nature vandalism? After illegal bulldozing of protected coastline near Vejle Fjord, politicians want tougher penalties for landowners who destroy nature to improve their view or property value. Although current law allows prison sentences, most cases result in minor fines. Parties across the spectrum now call for harsher punishments, ranging from doubled fines to mandatory jail time, to protect Denmark’s nature from wealthy offenders.
🚭 Fewer places to buy tobacco? The government wants to limit where nicotine and tobacco can be sold in order to curb youth use. With around 7,000 current vendors, Health Minister Sophie Løhde says everything’s on the table, from licenses to time restrictions. Critics warn of illegal sales and border trade, while supporters argue it’s essential to make changes in order to reduce cancer and addiction. The plan is part of the upcoming Cancer Plan V, with possible future price hikes and tighter EU rules also in play.
🥫 Food waste rising again; new strategy on the way. The food waste in retail and distribution hit 103,906 tons in 2023, a 6,195-ton increase since 2019, prompting Food Minister Jacob Jensen to launch Madspildsstrategi 2.0. The plan will focus on surplus food donations, upcycling, and innovation, aiming to meet EU waste targets without adding red tape. The new strategy is expected to be enacted by the end of 2025.
🕵️♂️ PET (intelligence agency) surveillance law delayed after backlash. The government has postponed a controversial bill that would expand the intelligence agency PET’s access to large-scale data, including health records and social media. Critics warn it normalizes mass surveillance and bypasses privacy norms. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard insists the debate is based on misunderstandings but agrees more time is needed. The proposal will now be reviewed after the summer.
Political scene
🍝 Spaghetti showdown in Parliament. During question time, Inger Støjberg accused PM Mette Frederiksen of breaking her campaign promise not to make everyday life more expensive, using the price of spaghetti bolognese as her example. With minced beef now costing up to 171 DKK per kilo, Støjberg blamed the government's climate policies. Frederiksen pushed back, saying global factors like the war in Ukraine are driving prices, and noted there’s no beef tax. The debate highlights rising food costs and their political weight.
🪑 One rule for local, another for national? A debate has flared up after it was revealed that independent MP Peter Seier has been absent from Parliament for two years without officially calling in sick or being replaced. Unlike local politicians, who lose their pay or get temporarily replaced if absent too long, national MPs face no such consequences. Critics say the double standard undermines trust in the system.
🌊 Who should pay to protect Copenhagen from flooding? A new study suggests storm surge defenses around the capital could cost up to 13 billion DKK. Current rules say homeowners closest to the water must cover nearly half the bill, but both residents and mayors argue that everyone should contribute, since the whole society benefits. The government promises a new climate adaptation plan that could change the payment model. Urgency is rising as simulations show much of Amager underwater by 2075 without action.
💥 EU finally moves to ban Russian gas. Despite pledging to quit Russian energy after the Ukraine invasion, EU countries still imported 52 billion m³ of gas from Russia last year. Now, Danish Commissioner Dan Jørgensen unveils a plan to fully ban Russian gas, oil, and uranium by 2027. Critics call past efforts too slow and fragmented, but Jørgensen says this will end Putin’s war funding. The plan includes stronger investment in renewables and stricter controls on energy imports via third countries. Not everyone is thrilled, as some member states still rely on cheap Russian gas, but Brussels is pushing ahead.
⚛️ Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) opens door to nuclear debate. After decades of opposition, Denmark’s ruling party now wants to explore what lifting the nuclear ban would mean. The climate spokesperson says it's time for a serious analysis, even if nuclear energy isn’t on the immediate agenda. PM Mette Frederiksen echoed the shift, saying nuclear is preferable to relying on Russian gas. While still prioritizing wind and solar, Socialdemokratiet joins Moderaterne (Social Liberals), Venstre (Liberals), and Liberal Alliance (Liberal Conservatives) in a growing political push to revisit the 1985 ban.
⚛️ Konservative (Conservatives) want nuclear research back on the table. Det Konservative Folkeparti proposes lifting the decades-old nuclear ban to revive research at DTU Risø and train new nuclear engineers. The party leader says it's time for Denmark to explore fourth-generation reactors and become part of global nuclear innovation. DTU backs the move, arguing that the current ban blocks meaningful research and investment. But critics, including Enhedslisten (Red-Green Alliance), warn about radioactive waste, funding priorities, and a nuclear lobby gaining ground in the debate.
🕵️ US accused of spying on Greenland. A Wall Street Journal report has ignited a diplomatic storm, claiming US intelligence agencies were told to step up surveillance in Greenland to track independence movements and local opinions on American resource interests. Denmark summoned the acting US ambassador, calling any such activity unacceptable between allies. Greenland’s leaders condemned the alleged espionage, and some MPs suggested shutting down the US consulate in Nuuk.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
🛡️ Are we overinsured? In DR’s podcast Guldregn, experts warn that many of us pay for unnecessary insurance. Essential policies like liability, home contents, and house insurance are must-haves, but others, like electronics or ticket refunds, often aren’t worth it. Life changes? Renegotiate your coverage. And don’t assume loyalty pays off; new customers often get better deals.
Want to know more about Change of Ownership Insurance when buying property? Read our article.
💸 No-buy trend takes hold. Inspired by social media, young people are embracing “no-buy” challenges to cut spending and regain control over their finances. TikToker Mia Thim Kastrup saved 44,000 DKK in a few months by quitting fast fashion and impulse shopping. The trend also challenges consumer culture and highlights the environmental cost of over consumption, but most join to ease financial stress and rethink their buying habits.
🏗️ Defense needs urgent upgrades. Denmark’s military faces a potential investment gap of nearly 50 billion DKK, as one-third of its buildings are in poor condition and as outdated IT systems threaten NATO interoperability. New estimates show it would cost 27 billion DKK to repair facilities and up to 21 billion DKK to modernize IT by 2033, far above the current defense agreement’s allocations.
🧠 3.5-year wait for child psychiatry in North Denmark sparks private deal. With wait times for ADHD, autism, and anxiety assessments now reaching 132 weeks, Region Nordjylland has signed a deal with Hejmdal Privathospital to help diagnose at least 55 children monthly. The move is welcomed by parents’ groups but seen as only part of the solution. The region still faces major staff shortages and rising demand.
⚽ Help on the way for kids from low-income families. Six organizations will receive 41 million DKK from 2025 to 2028 to help vulnerable children join sports teams and clubs. With nearly 45,000 kids having at least one parent on welfare, the initiative includes funding for adult chaperones, reminder texts, and bridges to local clubs. The project supports a new “leisure supplement” of up to 450 DKK per child per month, aimed at giving all children access to community and fun.
State of the markets
📉 Novo Nordisk crash hits investors. Once Denmark’s most beloved stock, Novo Nordisk has lost over 50% of its value since June 2024, wiping more than 130 billion DKK from Danish investors' portfolios. Despite the fall, many still cling to their shares. Experts warn against putting all eggs in one basket and urge better diversification. The dip offers a wake-up call to rethink strategies, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
⚓ German defense boost fuels Danish shipyards. With Germany’s new government pledging nearly 3,000 billion DKK in defense upgrades, Danish maritime firms are expecting a surge in orders. Tied closely to German shipyards, companies like SH Defence in Svendborg are already seeing increased demand for their dual-use container modules. Industry leaders predict significant growth, as Germany remains Denmark’s largest maritime export market, now supercharged by military spending.
🏠 Nearly half of the elderly now choose private home care. A new report on elder care shows that 42.9% of those aged 67+ receiving home help now use private providers, up from 33.4% in 2011. The government’s new elder care law expands free choice to include rehabilitation and integrated care. In areas with no private options, seniors can use vouchers to hire companies themselves. Elder Minister Mette Kierkegaard calls it the biggest market opening in 20 years and praises the growing variety in care, cleaning, and meal services.
Entrepreneurship
🚀 The BoostUP Webinar Series is here to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey in Denmark with four free online sessions in English focused on social impact, sustainable branding, transparency, and purpose-driven business.
May 12, 19:00, Turning ideas into social impact with Elisabeth McClure. Sign up.
May 14, 17:00, Building sustainable brands with Elias Mølbæk. Sign up.
May 16, 17:00, Governance & Transparency for Startups with Travis James Mathers. Sign up.
May 17, 10:00, Building a business for a better world with Ilie Tomulescu. Sign up.
🚀 New fast track to protect your business ideas. From May 8, entrepreneurs and small businesses can apply for the new IP fast-track scheme to get free, speedy help registering trademarks and designs. Part of the 2024 entrepreneurship deal, the program targets early-stage startups lacking money and legal know-how. Business Minister Morten Bødskov says protecting your brand from day one makes it easier to raise capital and grow.
Danish Daily Life HQ
👶 Baby visits bring joy to Aalborg nursing home. Every week, mothers on maternity leave visit Tranders Høje Nursing Home in Aalborg with their babies, lifting spirits and sparking joyful reactions from elderly residents. Inspired by similar projects elsewhere, the visits have especially positive effects on residents with dementia, helping them reconnect through singing and interaction. The initiative has been so successful that organizers now hope to expand the concept to other nursing homes across Aalborg.
🌽 Danish super-maize fights future crop loss. In a sealed tunnel near Flakkebjerg, 51 maize plants could help revolutionize farming. Developed by startup Healthycrop, these gene-edited plants use a patented natural enzyme to resist fungal infections, potentially reducing pesticide use and boosting yields. While global recognition is growing, the company awaits EU approval to take their innovation from lab to land.
🎖️ Denmark kicks off new military service rules. This week marked the first Defence Day (Forsvarets Dag) under Denmark’s new conscription model, which extends mandatory military service from 4 to 11 months and includes young women. About half of participants are typically deemed unfit, often due to weight or medical conditions, but relaxed health standards aim to increase eligibility. Future Defense Days will focus more on volunteers and fewer mandatory health checks.
🥦 More people will eat unhealthily by 2040. Despite decades of dietary guidelines, a new analysis from the National Institute of Public Health predicts that 28% of people in Denmark will have unhealthy eating habits by 2040, with too little fruit, vegetables, and fish, and too much fat. Young people and men are expected to be most affected. The trend is linked to rising obesity and chronic diseases, driven by food prices and aggressive marketing. Meanwhile, smoking and drinking are expected to decline significantly over the same period.
🚬 Smoking hits women’s lungs harder than men’s. A new Danish study reveals women who smoke have nearly double the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or dying from respiratory illnesses compared to men who smoke the same amount. Researchers from Herlev and Gentofte Hospitals analyzed data from over 85,000 people, urging doctors to consider gender differences when assessing smoking-related risks, as even low tobacco use is particularly harmful to women.
⚽ Danish football allows talented girls on elite boys’ teams. The Danish Football Association (DBU) announced a two-year trial allowing highly skilled female players to compete alongside boys in elite U15, U17, and U19 leagues. Previously restricted to grassroots levels, the move aims to boost development opportunities for ambitious girls.
🎭 Deepfake porn targets women. A new investigation reveals that female politicians and public figures in Denmark have been victims of non-consensual deepfake pornography, fake AI-generated videos often used for sexual humiliation. Although sharing such content is illegal, it's still easily found online. Experts warn that the damage can feel like real-life abuse, with long-term psychological effects. Victims are advised to report the content, document it, contact the platforms, and seek support. A new law is in the works to ban the creation of deepfake porn, which is currently not illegal in Denmark.
🕵️♂️ Police map 35 criminal families. A new national overview identifies 35 families in Denmark where crime runs through at least two generations. According to police data, over half of the adults in these families have been convicted of crimes, mostly related to drugs, weapons, or repeated offenses. The families span multiple nationalities and are mostly concentrated in Østjylland, Nordsjælland, and Copenhagen. The goal is to improve monitoring and prevention, especially through local cooperation.
International Community HQ
⚖️ Woman sues authorities over forced “re-education” camp. Amal, now 23, has sued Aarhus Municipality and Denmark's Foreign Ministry for 400,000 DKK, claiming negligence for failing to prevent her from being sent to a violent re-education camp in Somalia in 2018. Amal says authorities ignored multiple warnings before her departure and delayed assistance during her eventual escape after 16 months of captivity. Both institutions deny responsibility. The court's decision could impact how Denmark handles similar cases in the future.
🇩🇰 Minister under fire for delays on citizenship screening. Five months after promising a new expert group to vet citizenship applicants for anti-democratic views, Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek has yet to deliver. Opposition parties accuse him of stalling and failing to prioritize national security. The controversial interviews from December 2024, where applicants were grilled over social media posts, sparked calls for a formal screening system.
New reporting
The chances are as an international, you’ve never come across the Danish Home Guard, or Hjemmeværnet, but it could be the ideal opportunity for you to strengthen community bonds here as well as contribute to making your country safer. Daniel Sfita finds out more about this historic Danish institution.
New columns
Three LWID regulars return this week with new installments!
Emily Ritchie’s Little Viking Saga explores transitions and learning a whole new stage of the Danish childcare system as her Little Viking moves from vuggestue to børnehave.
John Dixon’s travel column Jeg Tog to Tog stops off in Fredericia this week, shining the spotlight on this underappreciated Jutland city.
Last month, Alicja Peszkowska’s new column Life Shared: Danish Democracy in Practice launched. This month, she looks at an aspect of Danish society envied in many countries: the country’s unemployment benefits system.
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Announcement Board
Copenhagen, 1st of June, 15:00: To celebrate their anniversary, Daniel Frumusachi of Not Your Usual Wine Bar is attempting two Guinness World Records, with free sparkling wine from every sabered bottle. It is open to everyone; make sure to join the event here 🥂🍾
International media about Denmark
The Copenhagen Performing Arts College turning out the next generation of music industry stars (The Guardian UK)
Thank you again for an interesting newsletter.
But, please stop calling it "defense". Denmark hasn't defended anything since the 19th century, but has invaded, bombed and occupied far away lands.
It is quite suprising that the article about health projections doesn't even mention sugar. Consumption of sugar is a major health hasard, much more serious than fats, while it is near impossible to find low-carb products. You would have hoped for National Institute of Public Health to lobby to end this nonsense...