Greenland’s White Gold; Europe on alert; Industry workers benefits

Last Week in Denmark (09.02-16.02) Episode 6 Year 5

TOP 3 News

1. DR documentary on cryolite mining reignites tensions between Denmark and Greenland.

2. Denmark’s intelligence agency warns Russia could threaten NATO within six months, but experts question the alarm.

3. New collective agreement for industry workers boosts wages, parental leave, and work flexibility.

Illustration made by Diana Bălașa

Listen to the Last Week in Denmark podcast here. New episode out. Spotify. Apple Podcasts. Amazon Music.

Editor HQ
State of Denmark

“What would Denmark have been without Greenland?” Múte B. Egede, Greenland’s Prime Minister

You know it’s February in Denmark when half the country is coughing through a flu outbreak, and the other half is debating free speech. And somewhere in between, Greenland is back in the headlines. Again.

This time, it’s all about money, minerals, and a whole lot of resentment. A new DR documentary, Greenland’s White Gold, has thrown fuel on an old fire: did Denmark profit off Greenland while giving little in return? The film reveals how Danish companies extracted and sold cryolite (a rare mineral used in aluminum production) for over 130 years, raking in an estimated 400 billion DKK in today’s money.

The documentary triggered Greenland’s leader, Múte B. Egede, to call Denmark’s yearly subsidies more of a “repayment plan.”

Danish economists and former industry bosses have rushed to push back. They argue the 400 billion number is misleading; it’s total revenue, not profit. Factor in mining costs, shipping, and refining, and the real profit might have been closer to 15 billion. But at this point, does it really matter? Because this isn’t just about one mineral; it’s about a long history of Greenlandic resources flowing out and wealth accumulating somewhere else.

And here’s where things get uncomfortable. Greenland never had a say in how cryolite was extracted or where the profits went. The workers were Danish, the taxes were paid in Denmark, and economic growth fueled by cryolite largely bypassed Greenland. Sounds familiar? Former colonies tell the same story all over the world.

Meanwhile, Greenland’s political landscape is shifting. Kuno Fencker has walked out of Siumut and straight into Naleraq, the party that wants independence negotiations right now. And Naleraq is also pushing a controversial idea: only people with Inuit heritage should vote in an independence referendum. Critics warn this could deepen divisions and push people away.

Denmark may not have a say in who votes, but others are watching closely. The U.S. Senate just held a hearing on Greenland’s strategic importance, including minerals, Arctic security, and (casually) floating ideas about closer ties with Washington.

So, what happens next? Expect Danish politicians to downplay the cryolite profits while Greenland’s leaders ramp up calls for independence. Because at the end of the day, the debate isn’t just about who profited from the past; it’s about who gets to decide Greenland’s future.

“Måke Califørnia Great Ægain,” an online campaign to bring California to Denmark.

Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!

Images of the week

Want to see how cryolite mining shaped Greenland’s history? DR put together a fascinating timeline with archival photos, maps, and key moments from the industry that fueled Denmark’s aluminum production for over a century.

LWID Universe

Linkedin - Instagram - Facebook - LWID App - Merchandise Store - Podcast - Website

Did you know you can read Last Week in Denmark in seven other languages?
Romanian - Polish - Spanish - Turkish - Italian - German - Hungarian

🚀 Support Last Week in Denmark – No Paywalls, No Ads, Just Community-Backed Journalism

To keep Last Week in Denmark sustainable and continue receiving support from the Ministry of Culture, we need to generate our own income. But here’s the deal—we’ll never put up paywalls or flood our website with ads. Instead, we’re introducing sponsored content: high-quality articles featuring businesses that want to reach internationals in Denmark. Maximum of two sponsored articles per newsletter.

If you have a business or service that speaks to our 30,000+ engaged readers, we’d love to collaborate! Whether it's a tailored article or a feature within our channels, we’ll make sure your message reaches the right audience. Get in touch through this form, and let’s create something great together.

The money will cover the cost of producing sponsored articles, help us commission more original journalism, and fund advertising so even more people can discover Last Week in Denmark.

---

Danish Politics HQ

Law proposals

🚨 The government wants to introduce the harshest penalties ever for opioid-related crimes, increasing sentences by over 400%. The goal is to target dealers and prevent a potential crisis, as opioids have become the second-most used drug among young people (after cannabis). The justice minister says opioids are even more dangerous than cocaine and wants to make them the most severely punished drug category. The plan also includes harsher penalties for drug sales targeting minors and easier seizure of vehicles used for drug trafficking. If approved, the law will take effect on July 1, 2025.

🧬 Denmark is on the verge of a forensic breakthrough. A new law proposal will allow police to search private DNA databases in serious criminal cases like murder. The homicide investigators call it a game-changer on par with fingerprint analysis. While forensic experts see massive potential in tracking suspects through distant relatives, the Ethics Council warns of privacy concerns. If passed, the system could be operational before summer, linking people in Denmark through shared great-great-grandparents and streamlining police investigations.

---

Political scene

🔥 A united right-wing (blue) opposition wants to abolish the law that criminalizes religious book burning and the racism clause, arguing that they weaken democracy and restrict free speech. In a joint op-ed, leaders from Liberal Alliance (Libertarian Conservatives), Konservative (Conservatives), DD (Populist Nationalists), and DF (Nationalist Conservatives) claim the law was introduced under pressure from the Middle East. Inger Støjberg of DD calls it a setback for freedom and equality, while Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) defend the law, saying it has reduced incidents of religious book burnings and lowered Denmark’s terror threat.

🏫💬 The government is split over whether to ban prayer rooms in public educational institutions. Venstre (Liberals) want them gone, arguing they reinforce social control, particularly over women. Moderaterne (Social Liberals) disagree, saying universities should decide for themselves, while Socialdemokratiet wants more research before taking a stance. A recent report found that some students feel pressured to attend prayer rooms, but others see them as harmless spaces for reflection. On campuses, students question why this is even a political issue, comparing it to banning Friday bars just because people can drink at home.

🚧 Germany’s border plan could disrupt commuters from Denmark. If Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s next chancellor, his plan for permanent border controls could mean longer wait times for commuters. The CDU leader has pledged to tighten Germany’s borders to curb illegal immigration, even if it contradicts the Schengen Agreement. While current checks are spot-based, a permanent system could bring stricter enforcement. However, political realities may force Merz to compromise if he needs coalition partners like the Social Democrats or the Greens.

🍼 Should anonymous sperm donation be banned? Every year, around 1,300 children in Denmark are born via sperm donation, many from anonymous donors. But is it time to end the secrecy? Critics argue that everyone has a right to know their origins, citing the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. Sweden and Norway have already limited anonymous donations, and now Denmark may follow. The health minister says she’s open to discussing the issue in Parliament.

💍 Ashes to jewelry? Denmark considers new rules. Turning pet ashes into jewelry is no longer a taboo, but what about human remains? Danish designer Andrea van Webber has been making memorial jewelry from cremated pets for 15 years and says demand for human ash jewelry is growing. Currently, Danish law prohibits this under “indecent handling of a corpse,” but the church minister is open to revising the legislation. Ethical concerns remain, with critics arguing that loved ones should be carried in the heart, not around the neck.

---

Danish Economics HQ

Our money

🛠️ 230,000 industry workers get a new collective agreement. The new three-year collective agreement brings wage increases, better parental leave, and greater flexibility in time off. While workers had pushed for more influence over their work schedules, this agreement is still seen as a significant win in securing better conditions and work-life balance.

• Minimum wage increases to 146.90 DKK per hour, and employer pension contributions rise by 1%.

• Workers can now use their leave fund for sick children, elderly care, or even grandchild support days.

• “Social parents” (non-biological parents in blended families) now qualify for leave, and solo parents can share leave with close family members.

• An extra two weeks of fully paid parental leave to be shared between parents.

• Employees gain increased flexibility in how and when overtime is compensated.

• Workplace representatives will receive an annual stipend of 9,000 DKK to encourage participation in union work.

📈 Prices remain high despite slowing inflation. Inflation in Denmark has slowed to 1.5 percent, down from 1.9 percent in December, but prices remain significantly higher than a few years ago. Food prices have surged over 20% since 2021, keeping consumer confidence low. Economists warn inflation could rise again, especially if global trade tensions escalate.

💰 Pocket money guidelines for kids. How much pocket money should kids get, and when? Experts recommend giving children a set amount regularly to teach financial responsibility, but not as payment for chores, to avoid a “what do I get for it?” mindset. Parents should guide, not control, spending and introduce money concepts early, making them better future consumers.

---

State of the markets

📊 Denmark nears 6 million people. The population reached 5,992,734 at the start of 2025, growing by 31,485 people in 2024. Births and deaths nearly canceled each other out, with only eight more births than deaths, meaning net migration drove the increase. Fertility rates continue to decline, while life expectancy is slowly rising.

👶 Women in Denmark are having their first child later. The average age for first-time mothers in Denmark reached 30.3 years in 2024, up from 28.8 in 2008, with over a third of new mothers now aged 30-34. Younger first-time births are declining, with only 11 percent of new mothers under 25. The trend is most pronounced in Copenhagen, where the average first-time mother is nearly 32.

🏡 Vejle’s flooded future as residents move out. Repeated flooding in Vejle’s city center has forced residents and businesses to leave, raising concerns over the town’s future. While the municipality is working on water retention projects, critics argue that action has been too slow. Property prices in flood-prone areas are already taking a hit, and local leaders admit they can’t guarantee future protection.

🇩🇪 Why the German election matters for you. Germany may be Denmark’s second-largest export market after the USA, but for many businesses, it is the most important. With over 10,000 Danish companies selling to Germany and 140,000 jobs tied to that trade, the outcome of the German election on February 23 could have a direct impact on Danish workers and businesses. Germany’s economy has been stagnating for five years, and industries are struggling with high energy costs, poor infrastructure, and tough competition from China.

🛡️ Infrastructure under cyber siege. Denmark’s largest energy and telecom provider, Norlys, is under constant cyberattack, with hackers attempting to break into their systems every single hour.This has prompted the company to hire new security specialists to strengthen its defenses. Authorities confirm that both criminals and foreign state actors are targeting Denmark’s infrastructure, forcing companies to consider extreme countermeasures, including the costly option of switching to manual control in emergencies.

---

Entrepreneurship

🚀 EUopSTART – Funding for Horizon Europe applications. Companies can apply for EUopSTART funding to cover 50% of costs related to preparing Horizon Europe applications, including salaries, travel, and consultancy services (up to 75,000 or 100,000 DKK). Deadlines for 2025 are February 25, May (TBA), and September (TBA).

Danish Daily Life HQ

🛡️ Denmark tops the Anti-Corruption index again. For the seventh year in a row, Denmark ranks as the least corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. The report highlights low levels of bribery but notes concerns about oversight in public spending. While Denmark maintains its lead, perceptions of corruption can shift with media coverage of major scandals.

🚲 Copenhagen police crack down on stolen bikes. Since February 1, officers have been allowed to check bike frame numbers without any suspicion of theft. The new rule aims to make it harder to sell stolen bikes, and police hope this will make people think twice before buying secondhand without checking the serial number. With over 48,000 reported bike thefts every year, it might be time to double-check that “great deal” before pedaling away. Purchasing a stolen good is a punishable offense.

🤧 Flu season is still climbing, with no peak in sight. Influenza cases in Denmark have been rising for six consecutive weeks, and experts say it hasn’t yet peaked. Hospitalizations are increasing, though not as sharply as infections, due to a rise in Influenza B. This strain primarily affects younger people who don’t often require hospitalization. Unlike last winter’s “infection storm,” this season is milder, with fewer COVID-19 and whooping cough infections.

🏖️Amber hunting in Denmark just got a high-tech upgrade. A new app called Ravvejr predicts where amber is most likely to wash ashore on the Danish coastline, using wind, tide, and weather data to guide hunters to the best spots. Amber, a fossilized tree resin, has been prized for centuries, and now families can turn beach walks into treasure hunts with a little digital help.

🏝️ Bornholm is shrinking. Can it be saved? Bornholm’s population has hit a 120-year low with fewer than 39,000 residents, and experts warn there's no quick fix. While some suggest investments in housing and jobs, others dismiss this as naive, arguing that population decline is inevitable. A proposed alternative is to turn Bornholm into “Denmark’s Florida” and attract retirees.

🐟 A new route for fish. For centuries, fish in Sønderjylland have been blocked by an old dam, but a new 1.3 km waterway will restore 100 km of free-flowing river. This meets EU conservation goals and could benefit sport fishing, though nature needs time to recover first. Work starts in April and finishes in autumn 2025.

🥖 Rugbrød takes a bite out of Japan. Denmark’s beloved rye bread is making waves in Japan, with the bakery Kohberg eyeing a new export opportunity amid growing demand for whole grains. Interest has increased among bakeries and health-conscious shoppers, driven by a focus on digestion and quality. With Danish pastries already a hit in Japan, rye bread might be next on the menu.

🧐 Omega-3 can slow aging. A new study suggests that taking one gram of Omega-3 per day can slow biological aging, especially when combined with vitamin D and exercise. The three-year study pointed to a slowing of several months, but researchers caution that it mainly applies to older adults with low Omega-3 levels, meaning if you already eat enough fatty fish like salmon, herring, or mackerel, you might not need supplements.

📱 TikTok trend claims iPhone can detect baby’s heartbeat. Experts say no. A viral TikTok trend suggests pregnant women can hear their baby’s heartbeat using just an iPhone and headphones, but midwives strongly advise against it. Experts warn that the method could give false reassurance, as it’s impossible to distinguish between the baby’s heartbeat and the mother’s pulse.

🌏 Family swaps Danish winter for adventure. One family from Nibe decided to trade the daily grind for a six-month adventure across the world, proving that with planning and bold choices, an alternative lifestyle is possible. Prioritizing shared experiences over routine, they explore nature, experience new cultures, and learn beyond the classroom while staying fully present with each other.

---

Denmark’s big red warning

Denmark’s military intelligence agency (FE) just dropped its most alarming threat assessment yet: Russia could engage in a regional war against NATO countries if it sees the alliance as weak or divided. The report lays out a grim timeline — Russia could launch a localized war within six months, pose a real NATO threat in two years, and be ready for full-scale war in Europe within five years if the U.S. doesn’t intervene.

That’s a big if. Not everyone is convinced by this worst-case scenario. Defense analysts argue that for Russia to attack NATO, three things would have to happen: Europe stops investing in defense, NATO falls apart, and the U.S. stays on the sidelines. All of these are highly unlikely.

And let’s be real, Russia is already stretched thin in Ukraine. Estimates suggest it has lost up to 800,000 soldiers. Its economy is under strain, and a fight with NATO would be vastly different from the war in Ukraine.

So why the warning now? Some see it as a necessary wake-up call. Others say it’s fear-mongering. Either way, the message is clear: Denmark and Europe should prepare for the worst, even if the worst never comes.

International Community HQ

“It’s about connecting women, being positive, and having fun!”

Copenhagen-based internationals Annie Samples and Brianna Lykke have turned a shared need for community in their new country into the highly successful events business, LaFem. They talk to our reporter Daisy Zeijlon about their journey.

Fastelavn season is in full swing, with bakeries across the country displaying their elaborate ranges of Fastelavnsboller. But have you ever wondered where this Danish festival day originated from? Gosia Kozlowska has the answers.

📉 The number of people granted asylum in Denmark has hit a historic low. In 2024, just 860 applicants received protection, a sharp drop compared to previous years. The government credits its strict asylum policies, with the integration minister emphasizing that Denmark can only take in as many refugees as municipalities can handle. Most approvals went to Syrians, Eritreans, and Afghans. Ukraine’s refugees are counted separately under a special law.

🎒 New Germans vs. German minority. Some German families in South Denmark have found a creative way to dodge Danish language assessments for their homeschooled children: claiming membership in the German minority. The problem? Actual German minority schools and institutions conduct their own language evaluations, and this loophole doesn’t apply to families outside the system. Local municipalities are increasingly worried about the rise in German homeschooling, fearing the emergence of a parallel society.

New columns

Emily Ritchie returns with the second installment of The Little Viking Saga, this week exploring how small children can be excellent “wingpeople” to help their parents make friends in a new country!

And Rasna Kaur Mistry is back with another in the From London to Denmark Via Covid: A Mother’s Musings series, this time looking at Great Danes and what’s behind the vast success of Danes in science, culture, and the arts.