Internationals will become the majority in Denmark by 2096

Last Week in Denmark (08.06-15.06) Episode 23 Year 5

TOP 3 News

1. Internationals will become the majority in Denmark by 2096.

2. The population is now six million.

3. Denmark opens doors to African students.

Illustration made by Diana Bălașa

The Last Week in Denmark podcast unpacks the top three news stories of the week through the international lens of two co-hosts. It’s personal, it’s global, it’s Denmark-ish. Listen now: Spotify. Apple Podcasts. YouTube. Amazon Music.

Editor HQ

State of Denmark, 2096. Whose future are we imagining?

Let’s talk about the future. Not flying cars or robot mayors, but something far more human: who will actually live in Denmark in 71 years?

A new projection from researchers at the University of Southern Denmark made headlines this week. It says that by 2096, the majority of people living in Denmark could be immigrants or descendants of immigrants. Why? Because the birth rate is too low. Because people move here to work, live, and raise families. Because, in short, Denmark is changing.

Depending on your political lens, this projection is either a wake-up call, a non-issue, or a full-blown cultural emergency.

DF (Nationalist Conservative) called it a catastrophe. Moderaterne (Social Liberals) essentially said, “Well, they’re mostly Europeans like us.” Some want to boost birth rates. Some want fewer non-Western migrants. Some just want the conversation to calm down.

But behind the statistics and soundbites lies a more uncomfortable question. Not just who is coming. But who gets to belong?

For those of us who live here but weren’t born here, debates like these always hit a little differently. It’s not just a policy discussion. It’s personal. It reminds you that even after years of living in Denmark — working, paying taxes, raising kids, trying to find the Danish word for “belonging” — some people still don’t see you as part of the “real” Denmark.

And yet we stay. We build lives here. We raise kids who speak fluent Danish. We stand in line at Føtex. We pay into a pension we might never see. We are part of this country, even when it doesn’t always say it back.

The truth is, the Denmark of 2096 is being built right now. Not by the loudest voices, but by the quiet, everyday choices we all make. Whether we welcome new neighbors. Whether we teach our kids to play with the kids who speak another language. Whether we include or exclude.

Demographics may predict the future population. But they don’t predict the future soul of a country. So instead of panicking about the numbers, maybe it’s time to ask a better question:

What kind of Denmark do we want to become, and who gets to help build it?

Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!

Images of the week

🌕 Strawberry Moon rising. The full moon lit up the skies last weekend in soft orange and pink tones. Known as the Strawberry Moon, it marked the last full moon of spring.

🌪️ Tornado sightings on Whit Monday. Several skypumpers (mini-tornadoes) were spotted across Denmark on Whit Monday, twisting over fields and coastlines. They looked dramatic but caused no damage. These rare weather events form when warm and cold air clash, so keep your camera ready during moody weather!

👑 100 years of royal visits to the Faroe Islands. A stunning photo series from DR showcases more than a century of Danish royal visits to the Faroe Islands. From Christian X’s 1921 arrival to Crown Prince Frederik’s most recent trip, the images highlight changing times, deep traditions, and the evolving relationship between the Faroese and the Danish monarchy.

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Danish Politics HQ

New laws

👶 New parents get more support. All new parents in Denmark now have the right to a home visit from a midwife or health professional the day after leaving the hospital. A new political agreement aims to strengthen the birth system with more continuity during pregnancy, small group birth preparation classes, and better postnatal support. The plan also includes better working conditions for maternity staff and a recruitment package to ensure there are enough qualified professionals.

🧬 Police get green light to use DNA family trees. Starting July 2025, the police will be allowed to use genetic genealogy to solve the most serious crimes, including murder and terrorism. A new law passed with broad political backing, which lets investigators compare DNA from crime scenes with international genealogy databases to trace family trees and identify suspects. The method, already used in the US and Sweden, could help crack cold cases.

🚨 New law to boost safety in public spaces. From July 2025, the police will have stronger tools to tackle unsafe behavior in public. A new law allows police to ban people from certain areas if they cause fear, increases penalties for crimes in nightlife zones, and expands surveillance rights. Sexual offenders can be barred from clubs for up to four years, and new curfews can be imposed on youth causing trouble. The government has also set aside 8.6 million DKK for more CCTV in hotspots.

📜 Adopted abroad, now equal in welfare rules. From July 1, international adoptees and other selected groups will be exempt from the strict residency and work requirements in Denmark’s new welfare system. A broad majority in Parliament has passed a law ensuring that people listed as “entered” in the CPR system, like adoptees, children born abroad via surrogacy or during short stays, won’t face lower benefits or immediate work obligations.

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Political scene

🕊️ Denmark pushes for tougher sanctions on Israel. PM Mette Frederiksen says Israel has crossed a line in Gaza, calling the situation “unacceptable” and criticizing the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of war. She demands full access for relief efforts and supports tougher EU-level sanctions if conditions don't improve. Sanctions already exist against settlers and officials, but broader EU agreement is needed.

✍️ 210 Danish authors demand action on Gaza. In an open letter, 210 Danish authors accuse Denmark of watching passively as Israel carries out what they call “brutal and calculated” attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. They urge the government to cut diplomatic ties, halt trade including F-35 parts, and to recognize Palestine as a state. The government has not yet responded.

🇫🇴 Faroe Islands push for foreign policy independence. The Faroese government wants the right to make its own decisions on foreign policy, arguing the current 1948 home rule framework is too limiting. At a recent cross-party meeting, five of six parties agreed the islands need greater autonomy, especially to sign trade deals and join global bodies like the WTO and Olympic Committee. PM Aksel Johannesen will raise the issue with Mette Frederiksen at next week’s kingdom summit.

🌊 Denmark ratifies global ocean treaty. Denmark has ratified the UN’s high seas biodiversity treaty, known as the BBNJ agreement. Signed at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, it marks a global step toward protecting 30% of the ocean. The treaty covers areas beyond national borders, setting new rules for marine protected zones, environmental assessments, and sharing benefits from marine genetic resources.

🇩🇪 A new Folkemøde… at the border? Grænseforeningen (the Border Association) is saying goodbye to the annual democracy festival on Bornholm due to high costs, but it has a new dream. The chairman wants to start a cross-border version in Southern Jutland, celebrating Danish-German cooperation and inclusion. It's still just an idea, but one with strong symbolic potential and lower hotel prices.

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Danish Economics HQ

Our money

🛡️ Denmark buys short-range air defense systems. Denmark will spend over 6 billion DKK on new short-range ground-based air defense from Germany, France, and Norway. The systems aim to protect civilians and military sites and will be operational from late 2025. It’s the first major air defense upgrade since Denmark scrapped its last system in 2005.

Read our related article: Is Denmark About to Go Nuclear Again?

🥫 Inflation feels worse than it looks. Officially, Denmark’s inflation is low, at just 1.6% in May. But many feel the pinch, especially at the grocery store. Food and drinks have jumped 36% over the past years, far more than average prices. Experts say this hits lower-income households hardest and explains why inflation feels higher, even when stats say it’s under control.

🏚️ Fast builds, crumbling homes. Newly built houses in Denmark are showing serious flaws, from loose tiles to cracked brickwork, due to rushed construction and poor weather handling, experts warn. A DR investigation reveals that speed often trumps quality in the industry, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and broken dreams.

🏡 Buying your first home? Start smart. Sofie Østergaard from the Guldregn podcast bought her first home at 21 and says it was her best financial move. Expert John Wulff agrees: start early, even if it’s outside big cities. Visit lots of homes, check the bathroom (it’s costly to fix), and save in advance: your bank looks at your spending history.

Once you’ve bought, consider owner-change insurance, test appliances right away, and don’t rush renovations. It's also a good idea to ask to revisit the home before moving in, especially if builders need to see it. Buying gives you freedom, but also responsibility.

Read more: Complete guide to home ownership in Denmark for internationals

Change of ownership insurance explained

🦠 Denmark steps up fight against superbugs. Bacteria that no longer respond to antibiotics are a growing global threat. Denmark has launched a new national action plan with 21 initiatives and 130 million DKK to keep infections treatable. The plan focuses on cutting antibiotic use, improving medicine supply, boosting hygiene, and pushing for global solutions.

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State of the markets

✈️ We are spending big on summer. More than half of us plan to travel this summer, and we’re spending 50% more than a decade ago. The average household travel budget is now nearly 19,000 DKK. Sun and adventure top the wish list, especially for young people; 60% of those under 30 plan to travel abroad. Jutlanders tend to stay in Denmark, while people on Zealand spend more and go abroad. Despite growing climate concerns, many see summer vacation as sacred and still prioritize travel.

Read more: the best museums in Denmark that you haven’t discovered yet

🛫 New Nuuk–Aalborg flight raises hope and concern. A new direct flight between Aalborg and Nuuk now connects North Jutland with Greenland twice a week through the summer. While the route opens up travel and study opportunities, Aalborg officials expect some vulnerable Greenlanders may arrive unprepared, hoping for a better life. The city and Det Grønlandske Hus are working to support new arrivals with housing help and social guidance to prevent homelessness.

🎬 Denmark rolls out the biggest film rebate in Scandinavia. Starting in 2026, Denmark will offer a 25% rebate on film, series, and animation productions made in the country, with 125 million DKK allocated yearly. The goal is to make Denmark a global film hub and attract international productions. Productions can get up to 20 million DKK back per project if they meet criteria like filming in Denmark and using local talent. Politicians call it a new golden age for Danish film.

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Danish Daily Life HQ

📈 Denmark hits 6 million people. For the first time ever, Denmark’s population has reached 6 million. But growth isn’t evenly spread. While cities grow, many smaller municipalities are shrinking. A new map shows where numbers are rising and how many newcomers or descendants of immigrants now call each area home.

Read more: Why Hørsholm is the best place to live in Denmark

🧯 No crisis plan on your street? Most homeowners have no local emergency plan for power cuts, water shortages, or other crises. Out of 536 homeowners’ associations surveyed, only four had one. Experts say neighbors should prepare together, as public services will prioritize critical infrastructure. But few are interested, despite warnings and ministerial praise for those who act.

• Residents in a Køge housing community are readier than most. Led by former military officer Lasse Oszadlik, they’ve mapped zones, stocked essentials, and set up encrypted communication.

Read more: What the Minister for Crisis Preparedness needs you to know

🍓 Pick-your-own strawberry season begins. Strawberry fields are almost ready for the summer’s pick-your-own adventure. Growers from Djursland to Aarhus say the berries have thrived despite the mixed spring weather, with some even expecting a record year. And yes, tasting a berry or two before weighing is all part of the fun.

👨‍🚀 Denmark’s astronaut now leads at European level. Andreas Mogensen has been appointed head of ESA’s astronaut corps and human exploration program. Based in Cologne, he’ll shape future missions to space and the Moon while remaining eligible to fly again. After six months in orbit in 2023–2024, he now helps plan what comes next for Europe in space.

⏰ Teachers clock in earlier in Odense. From August, all Odense public school teachers must arrive 10 minutes before students. The goal is to create calmer classrooms and stronger routines by having teachers welcome pupils at the door. Local schools report it helps students feel seen and gives a gentler start to the day.

📚 Grades over growth worry schools. Nearly two-thirds of teens focus more on getting good grades than actually learning, a new EVA study finds. Girls in particular fear making mistakes, and top-performing students feel the most pressure. Schools like Nivå try to shift the mindset, but the “grade race” remains hard to escape.

🧠 Randers psychiatric scandal shocks Denmark. More than one in three patients at a psychiatric unit in Randers received care below medical standards, a major review finds. The former chief doctor has been reported to police, and at least 221 patients may be entitled to compensation. Officials call it a systemic failure and the worst scandal in Danish psychiatry in recent times.

🎗️ Nearly all cancer patients are treated on time. In 2024, 99.9% of Denmark’s cancer patients were diagnosed and treated within the official maximum waiting times, according to a new report.

🗑️ One bin to rule them all? Scrapping Denmark’s multi-bin waste sorting system could save 1.5 billion DKK a year and be better for the environment, says a new analysis from 1spand.nu. They want AI-powered machines to do the sorting instead. Experts back the idea, but authorities say the tech isn’t ready yet.

🐴 A rare Faroese horse is born in Denmark. For the first time in over 100 years, a Faroese horse has been born outside the Faroe Islands, thanks to a creative embryo project involving Icelandic surrogate mares. With only 83 of the rare horses left, the Danish-born foal marks a major step in saving the breed and bringing it beyond the islands.

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International Community HQ

🎓 Denmark opens doors to African students. Denmark is launching a new 430 million DKK program to boost university partnerships with African countries and welcome more African students. The initiative runs from 2025-2032 and will support around 230 students per year through full degrees, summer schools, or short exchanges. Scholarships will cover study and living costs, and Danida Fellowship Centre will manage the program. The first application round opens in June 2025.

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New reporting

When a Copenhagen bookstore took accidental delivery of a shipment intended for a bookstore in Nairobi, they saw a unique opportunity to gain insight into African culture and broaden connections. Laura Matheson finds out more about this incredible story.

“We look to the US or the UK as beacons of culture, and there’s this huge continent that we know so little about,” says owner Isabella Mousavizadeh Smith. “This felt so authentic… it reflects what a bookstore in Nairobi would order. That’s impossible to find without actually traveling there.”

Back in April, our reporter Sebastian Florian profiled Daniel Frumusachi, co-owner of Not Your Usual wine bar in Copenhagen, for our new Golden Internationals series. Earlier this month, Daniel made local news attempting to break his current Guinness World Record for the most champagne bottles sabred open in one minute! While circumstances were against him this time, we know Daniel will definitely be back to try again! In the meantime, we thought we’d revisit the article!

Our “How to….in Denmark” guides are always popular, helping you navigate life here as an international. Over the past few months, we’ve seen huge traffic to our articles on your tax entitlements in 2025, navigating mental health supports, your property buying rights and all you need to know about securing a mortgage. Find our full series here. Don’t see what you need to know about? Get in touch with us at reporter@lwid.dk.

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New columns

Planning a staycation this year? Our travel columnist John Dixon is back this week, with eight destinations around Denmark to visit this summer, all reachable via train!

And our leadership columnist Florin Lungu explores the Accountability Gap that can arise from how meetings are run in Nordic culture, and what to do about it!

You can join Florin on June 17th for a free-to-attend, practical training session on closing the Accountability Gap without having to chase people to deliver.

🗓️ The Accountability Gap | June 17^th, 08:00 – 08:45, | Live on Zoom | Register here

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If you have a news or features article you think we should write about, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at reporter@lwid.dk

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Announcement board

LWID reader offer: Lingua Danica, the online Danish language school, has an exclusive offer of a 500 DKK discount on Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, and Advanced level Danish courses. Follow this link to redeem the offer; discount automatically applied when you check out.

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International media about Denmark

Copenhagen is adapting to a warmer world with rain tunnels and 'sponge parks' (NPR)

Denmark votes for defence bill giving US access to its airbases (The Guardian)

How One Country's Left Halted the Far Right with Tough Immigration Stance (Newsweek)