Mental health; Pension reform; Flight compensation
Last Week in Denmark (18.05-25.05) Episode 20 Year 5
TOP 3 News
Free mental health care for 18–24-year-olds within 30 days.
Retirement age raised to 70 by 2040.
Denmark backs ending payouts for flight delays under five hours.
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 - The plight of the au-pairs
You’ve probably heard the word “au pair” before. Maybe you’ve had one in your home. Maybe your friend has. Maybe you’ve walked past someone in the supermarket pushing a pram and didn’t even realize she was one. But here’s the thing: most people in Denmark still talk about au pairs like it’s a sweet little cultural exchange. A win-win. A young woman comes to Denmark to learn about the language and the culture, and in return, she helps out a bit at home. She’s not a worker; she’s part of the family.
Except that’s not what’s happening anymore.
The vast majority of au pairs in Denmark today are from the Philippines. Last year, 82% of all au pair residence permits went to Filipinas. That’s not random. That’s not a cultural coincidence. That’s what it looks like when a system becomes a survival strategy, not for the host families, but for the women who come here because they need the money. Many send it home. Some support their own children from afar. And the pocket money (4,650 DKK a month) becomes their actual income.
We keep pretending this is something it’s not. We say they’re not workers, but they usually cook, clean, and take care of children. We say it’s cultural exchange, but the truth is, they rarely have time or energy to explore Danish culture, make Danish friends, or learn the language. They live in the homes of their host families, often in the basement. They’re isolated. They have no job security and no unions backing them. And if something goes wrong, if they’re overworked or mistreated, they risk losing both their home and their residence permit. That’s not “on equal terms.” That’s just vulnerable.
Let’s be honest, it’s also convenient. For families who need cheap childcare. For a society that still doesn’t fully support working parents. For a system that quietly relies on women from poorer countries to do the domestic work we don’t want to do ourselves.
Countries like Canada and Norway have already shut down their au pair programs. They said it clearly: this isn’t cultural exchange anymore. It’s underpaid domestic labor in disguise. Denmark hasn’t done the same. We haven’t even had the serious conversation yet. Maybe because it’s uncomfortable. Because it raises hard questions about race, class, and privilege. Because it doesn’t fit with the story we like to tell ourselves about who we are.
But we need to talk about it.
We need to stop pretending this is still a sweet little arrangement between equals. It’s not. It hasn’t been for a long time. And every time we keep quiet, we’re helping keep the system in place.
Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!
Images of the week
🦟 Massive clouds of harmless midges take over homes. In parts of Zealand and nearby islands, residents are dealing with swarms of tiny dance flies so dense they can be shoveled off doorsteps. It’s mating season, and the clouds are part of their natural ritual. While the sight is wild, experts say they do not pose real danger.
🦅 A rare bearded vulture, one of the world’s largest birds of prey, was spotted near Blåvand last weekend, causing excitement among birdwatchers. With a nearly 3-meter wingspan and dramatic appearance, it’s a dream sighting for many.
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Danish Politics HQ
New laws
🧠 A major mental health upgrade. After years of underfunding, Denmark is finally giving its psychiatric system a serious boost. A broad political deal will add 4.6 billion DKK annually to improve mental health care, especially for young people. New rights will guarantee that 18–24 year-olds with anxiety or depression can get private treatment paid by the state if a public system provider isn't offered within 30 days. Children and youth will also get access to therapy earlier in the process, with stricter deadlines for diagnosis and treatment.
The plan includes efforts to reduce the use of force, improve care for patients with ADHD and autism (though proposed special clinics are still uncertain), and prevent repeated hospitalizations. Patients may soon have the option between restraints or locked rooms, and in some cases, even calming medication. More mobile teams and transitional services are on the way to ensure no one is “discharged to nothing.”
📈 Retirement age raised to 70 by 2040. A broad political deal means people born after 1970 will now have to work until they’re 70 to receive a state pension. The change, based on rising life expectancy, has sparked backlash, especially from those in physically demanding jobs like construction. While some office workers say they can manage, many fear their bodies won’t hold up and worry that promises of early retirement for the worn-down won’t apply when they need them.
🛡️ The government will invest over 7.5 billion DKK in a major justice reform with tougher penalties for violent crime and over 2,000 new prison spaces. Sentences for serious assault will be doubled, and a new focus on rehabilitation aims to cut reoffending. Young, first-time offenders can earn debt relief if they stay crime-free for five years. The goal is to boost safety and restore public trust in the justice system.
🌞 The new Cancer Plan 5 includes 36 initiatives, such as banning tanning beds for under-18s and launching a trial with cooling caps to reduce hair loss during breast cancer treatment. The plan aims to boost survival, prevent cancer early, and support patients better. Starting in 2025, 600 million DKK will be allocated annually.
Law proposals
🐾 Harsher penalties are coming for those who mistreat animals. The food minister wants to double sentences for serious abuse cases, raise fines, and make it easier to take away the right to own animals. He’s also looking into stricter punishment for pet theft, calling it a deeply personal crime for many. A new “penalty point” system is being considered for repeat offenders. These proposals will soon be discussed with the political partners behind them.
🚫 The government wants to ban ads for soda, chips, and fast food aimed at children under 15. Despite industry promises, kids are still exposed daily, especially through influencers. The new rules will change the marketing law and apply to all platforms. The goal is to protect children's health and prevent obesity-related diseases.
Political scene
🚫 US embassy tried to trade a DEI ban for a parking permit. The US embassy in Copenhagen demanded the city to drop diversity and inclusion policies before it would pay to renew its parking licenses. City officials called the request “absurd” and refused. The embassy later backed down, but experts say it’s part of a wider US push against DEI abroad.
🇪🇺 EU debates sanctions as pressure mounts on Israel. As Israel's actions in Gaza escalate, momentum is building in the EU to move beyond words and consider concrete sanctions. Options include suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, which grants major trade benefits in return for upholding human rights. Other possible measures include sanctioning Israeli officials, following the model used against Russia, or the recognition of the Palestinian state by individual countries. Both would be politically explosive. Politically, EU nations can still exert pressure independently, as France does by advocating for a two-state solution. But major economic actions would require full EU consensus.
🤝 Frederiksen & Meloni team up to reshape EU migration rules. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is forming an unlikely alliance with Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni to push for tougher EU migration policies. Together with seven other countries, they’ve sent a letter calling for international human rights conventions to be interpreted differently, arguing that they too often protect criminals over victims. The pair also want stricter border control and faster deportations, and they welcome Germany’s recent political shift in the same direction.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
🌬️ Denmark tries again with giant offshore wind plan. After last year’s failed tender, Denmark is relaunching its biggest offshore wind project: 150 turbines up to 280 meters tall, with up to 55.2 billion DKK in state support. The goal is to secure green power for years ahead. Companies will now bid to offer the lowest cost to the state.
⚡Electricity use in Denmark is set to more than double by 2050, largely due to energy-hungry data centers from tech giants like Microsoft and Google. Without expansion, Denmark risks jeopardizing its ambition to become a net power exporter. Despite the massive energy needs, mayors and ministers welcome data centers for their jobs, security, and green potential, but agree that wind energy must scale fast to keep up.
Read more on Denmark and energy in our article: Is Denmark About to Go Nuclear Again?
✈️ EU may scrap flight delay payouts under five hours. A new EU proposal, backed by Denmark, would raise the compensation threshold for delayed flights from three to five hours, a move consumer group Forbrugerrådet Tænk calls unfair and costly for passengers. Airlines support the change, saying it reflects the complexity of air travel and could reduce cancellations. Critics argue it shifts 277 million DKK away from passengers to carriers.
State of the markets
🇩🇰 Danish economy: a mild cold, not a crisis. Despite a slight GDP dip of 0.5% in early 2025, the economy remains strong, according to the government’s latest economic outlook. The downturn is seen as temporary, not a sign of lasting weakness, and growth is expected to rebound with 3% this year and 1.4% in 2026. Without global trade tensions, growth could have been even higher.
The unexpected dip in early 2025 was mainly due to a correction in Denmark’s booming pharmaceutical industry, especially after an unusually high output in late 2024. Analysts say it’s just a temporary drop in an otherwise strong sector, with continued growth expected this year.
Private spending isn’t growing as much as expected, even with higher wages and lower interest rates. The government now forecasts a modest 1.2% rise in consumption. Many people are still wary after the inflation shocks of 2022–2023 and prefer saving over spending, especially with ongoing global uncertainty.
Public investments are set to jump 28% in 2025, mainly due to military spending. However, much of this budget may be spent overseas, limiting the impact on local growth. Still, there will be domestic activity tied to military facilities and infrastructure.
Property prices keep climbing, with record highs already recorded this year. The government expects prices to rise 3.6% in 2025 and another 3.0% in 2026. There’s no sign of a slowdown in sight, especially in major cities like Copenhagen.
🏦 Nykredit’s takeover of Spar Nord gets green light. Nykredit has received final approval to acquire Spar Nord Bank, Denmark’s fifth-largest bank, in a 24.7 billion DKK deal. The Competition Authority found no major threat to market competition, especially after Nykredit eased rules in its Totalkredit mortgage network. The merger makes Nykredit the country’s third-largest bank by volume of lending.
💰 Nordea on trial for massive money laundering case. For the first time in Denmark, a bank is facing trial for alleged violations of anti-money laundering laws. Taking place over 60 court days, prosecutors aim to prove that Nordea allowed more than 17,000 suspicious transactions worth nearly 25 billion DKK to pass through its International Branch in Copenhagen, many involving offshore companies linked to Russian clients. Internal alerts were triggered 90 times without proper investigation.
⚖️ The case could result in Denmark’s largest-ever financial penalty if courts follow previous benchmarks, potentially 6.5 billion DKK or more. The bank denies all charges, arguing no laws were broken at the time and claiming the prosecution is applying newer rules retroactively. This is despite Nordea previously apologizing and setting aside funds to pay a fine.
✈️ Aarhus Airport rescued by US investor with freight ambitions. After years of financial trouble, Aarhus Airport has secured a private investor: the newly formed Fairchild Denmark, backed by US capital. The company plans to shift focus from passengers to air freight and logistics, promising new facilities and global partnerships. Fairchild will take majority control, while local municipalities write down their shares to zero. The mayor welcomes the deal but insists no more public funds will be spent.
🏖️ New tourism record fuels local jobs and growth. Tourism in Denmark hit a new revenue record of 168 billion DKK in 2024, up from 162 billion DKK the year before. While often spread across small businesses, tourism is vital to many local economies; on Fanø, it accounts for 35% of the municipal economy. Year-round tourism is on the rise, boosting income even in off-seasons.
Entrepreneurship
🧾 Starting January 1, a new VAT scheme across the EU makes life easier for small businesses. If your total annual turnover is under 100,000 EUR, you can skip charging VAT and reduce your reporting obligations. The catch? You can’t deduct VAT on what you buy. A new single registration and quarterly report will cover all your eligible cross-border sales.
🚀 NextStep is a support program for early-stage businesses in Denmark aiming to grow fast. If your company is under three years old, you can apply for expert guidance, a personalized action plan, and a grant of up to 24,000 DKK (covering 75% of costs). The grant can be used for both advisory services and skill development. Applications are judged on your current setup, development needs, and contribution to the green transition.
Danish Daily Life HQ
📊 “Yellow” union likely becomes Denmark’s biggest. Det Faglige Hus, a low-cost trade union that doesn’t negotiate collective agreements, now claims to be Denmark’s largest union, overtaking 3F. While official stats still show 3F slightly ahead, growth trends support the shift. Experts warn this could weaken Denmark’s labor model if more workers join non-striking unions.
📦 Hoarding disorder gets official diagnosis. People who can’t throw anything away (from receipts to ruined furniture) will soon have a recognized mental health diagnosis in Denmark. Known as hoarding disorder, the condition affects up to 6% of people and is often linked to trauma. Experts hope the new ICD-11 classification will lead to better treatment, though success rates are low and patients rarely seek help on their own.
🚜 Farming accidents spark call for safer machines. Over 500 farm work accidents happen each year in Denmark, with five lives lost annually, mostly due to heavy machinery tipping over. A new expert report calls for phasing out old machines, stricter safety checks, and better training. Agriculture students welcome the changes, saying the pace is often too fast to stay safe.
🐄 Prison sentence for starving cattle. Two Nature Agency employees got three months’ conditional prison for neglecting 76 cows in Mols Bjerge during winter 2020–21. The animals weren’t fed for three months, and some died. The case worries locals as 21 new nature parks are planned. Critics say rules for animal care in such projects are too vague.
💊 Shortage of key schizophrenia drug worries doctors. Psychiatric wards across Denmark are running out of Zypadhera, a long-acting injection for schizophrenia, due to production issues in Germany. Doctors warn the switch to daily pills could lead to relapses, more hospitalizations, and even crime among high-risk patients. There’s no clear date for when supplies will return.
Find out more about the mental health supports you’re entitled to as an international.
🎬 Dogme is back, with new rules for a new era. Thirty years after Dogme 95 shook up Danish cinema, five filmmakers have launched Dogme 25, a bold new manifesto for authentic, low-budget storytelling. Rules include handwritten scripts, minimal crews, no internet, and at least half the film without dialogue. The goal? Raw, uncompromised art in an industry driven by money.
🧸 A major study finds that 28% of kindergartens provide inadequate care, with children often left without support, comfort, or adult attention. Only 9% meet high-quality standards. The main issue is lack of trained staff, as many kindergartens rely on unqualified helpers. Experts and unions call for more resources and better training to improve children’s well-being. Municipalities acknowledge the problem and admit raising quality is their responsibility.
International Community HQ
New reporting
It’s PD3 season across Denmark, and Brooke Fossey, AKA Instagram’s Nearly Danish Dame, is back with the second part of her very popular guide to flying high in the exam! This week she brings her tips for the Mundtlig, or oral exam.
Sitting the PD3 in November/December 2025? Read part one in Brooke’s PD3 success guide — the reading and writing exams, originally published at the start of this month.
It’s also the season of Sankt Hans Aften, the Danish celebration of midsummer that happens each year on June 23rd. Sigga Hansen, native Dane and founder of the language school Lingua Danica, has all you need to know.
Sigga is also giving LWID readers an exclusive offer of a 500 DKK discount on her 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.
Our “How to….in Denmark” guides are always popular! Over the past few months, we’ve seen huge traffic to our articles on your tax entitlements in 2025, navigating mental health supports as an international, your property buying rights as an international, and getting 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.
New columns
Laura Matheson is back with another installment of Tur-Retur, the column where she explores returning to live in Denmark as an international after some years away. This month she writes about the growth of cycling culture.
Did you know that Last Week in Denmark now offers the opportunity for sponsored content? If you have a business our readers should know about, let us write about it – support us while we help you! Get in touch with us here. And rest assured we will never put up paywalls, charge you monthly subscriptions, or fill the newsletter with adverts!
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
Announcement board
🌿 A major step for nature is happening on June 21 when the first national nature park opens in Fussingø. The 833-hectare area will be home to grazing animals and untouched forests, where fallen trees are left to rot and nourish biodiversity. The opening day includes guided walks, live music, campfire pancakes, and a “bioblitz,” where visitors help spot and register as many species as possible in 24 hours.
Our regular leadership columnist Florin Lungu is hosting a free webinar on The Recognition Gap in Danish work culture on June 3. Join him for a practical session on how to close the Recognition Gap without clashing with Nordic values. You’ll walk away with The Recognition Blueprint: a simple tool to help you lead with more clarity, appreciation, and impact. Save your seat here.
International media about Denmark
Denmark to raise retirement age to highest in Europe (BBC)
Alarm over defence agreement giving US ‘unhindered access’ to Danish airbases (Guardian)
Hello! I am from the Philippines and I am living in Denmark. I am an accompanying spouse to my Filipino husband who is working as a pharmacovigilance specialist. I am also working as an early childhood educator in an international kindergarten. I have a couple of people in my network who have worked as au pairs in Denmark. They do not live in basements and they were not mistreated by their hosts. They have college degrees back home. Your mention about the Philippines has some valid points, but may I suggest that you use the terms developing country or middle-income economy? Also please consider how your Filipino readers will respond when making overgeneralizations.
Wasn't there a discussion about ten years ago to increase the scope of the au pair programme to including living with elderly people without children in the house? That was sort of saying the quiet part out loud.