New driving rules; Huge budget surplus; Rewrite Danish history

Last Week in Denmark (23.03-30.03) Episode 12 Year 5

TOP 3 News

1. New driving rules across the European Union;

2. 133.2 billion DKK budget surplus in 2024 – best year since 2007;

3. A man with a metal detector may have just rewritten Danish history.

Illustration made by Diana Bălașa

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Editor HQ

State of Denmark

This year is marked by the local and regional elections on November 18. Important for Denmark and important for us because we can vote and we’re encouraged to do so. EU citizens have voting rights from day one. Non-EU citizens get them after just four years of living here (even without permanent residency). It’s one of the most inclusive voting systems in Europe.

But while voting is seen as a civic duty in Denmark, internationals are falling behind. Barely one in four of us shows up to vote. The two largest communities (Polish and Romanian) have set a record we shouldn’t be proud of: just one in ten voted in the last election. That’s not just low turnout; that’s actively dragging down the overall voting percentage. Not the best look.

And when it comes to running for office (which, by the way, we also have a right to do), the situation is even bleaker. Out of 98 municipalities, each with 300+ candidates, you can count the number of international candidates on one hand. We say we want to be seen and heard, but we rarely step forward to do the work.

So this year, Last Week in Denmark is doing something about it. We’re launching a special focus on encouraging internationals to vote and to run for office. If you’re an international candidate, no matter your party, reach out to us. We’ll feature you in the newsletter, free of charge. We need more internationals at the decision-making tables around this country. Full stop.

Still not sure why you should vote? Here’s why it matters.

First, voting is power. The people who win local elections decide on things that affect your life every single day: childcare prices, bus routes, school services, integration policies, even the language support at Borgerservice. These aren’t abstract issues. They are your daily reality.

Second, visibility matters. When internationals don’t show up to vote, we send the message that we don’t care. Or worse, we don’t belong. But that’s not true. You live here. You contribute. You’re part of this society. Voting is how we remind everyone (ourselves included) that this is our home too.

Third, if we don’t vote, others decide for us. And let’s be honest: sometimes they get it wrong. We’ve all seen policies that clearly weren’t made with internationals in mind. That changes when we show up, speak up, and vote. Even better if we run. That’s how you go from being talked about to being part of the conversation.

And if voting represents power, then running for office is impact. Being on the ballot means you don’t just react to decisions; you help shape them. You become the person who asks why there’s no multilingual info at your kommune, why the welcome program ends after three weeks, or why internationals aren’t represented on local boards. You don’t need perfect Danish or any political résumé. You need lived experience, motivation, and the courage to raise your hand and say, “I belong here too, and I’m ready to lead.”

Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!

Images of the week

🌌 Eyes on the sky. Denmark is in for a treat with more frequent northern lights this year. An unusually active sun is sending powerful solar storms our way, increasing chances of aurora sightings, even in southern parts of the country. So keep an eye out after sunset. The sky might just surprise you.

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Danish Politics HQ

New laws

🪖 Starting July 1, women turning 18 will be called in for Forsvarets Dag and evaluated for military service, just like men. The long-debated female conscription law was originally set for 2027, but a political U-turn by the Liberal Alliance means it’s now moving ahead two years early. Women will join the draft lottery and may be required to serve if there aren’t enough volunteers.

🩺 From 2025, Denmark’s Armed Forces will introduce new, more flexible health requirements, making it easier for people with different physical conditions to serve. Instead of one-size-fits-all rules, the new system will tailor health standards to specific roles, opening the door for more recruits, including injured veterans who still want to contribute. With the shift from international missions to national defense, the military says it needs a wider range of people and skills.

🚗 Big changes are coming to driving in the EU, including Denmark. A new EU deal introduces a digital driver’s license app, valid across borders; tougher rules for new drivers (especially around alcohol); and eligibility for a truck license at just 18. Countries can even allow 17-year-olds to drive trucks if they have a co-driver. Health checks will also become standard across the EU. The rules aim to improve road safety after nearly 20,000 road deaths in 2021.

🎓 Some professional degrees, like nursing and pedagogy, will soon be three months shorter. A new political deal aims to boost interest in welfare careers, where applications have dropped since 2020. The reform includes smaller class sizes, more feedback, and 800 new study spots for international students from 2027, especially in STEM fields and outside the big cities. Plus, students will have more flexible options, including part-time pathways.

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Law proposals

🇪🇺 Moderaterne (Social Liberals) want us to vote on scrapping Denmark’s EU opt-outs on justice and the euro. MEP Stine Bosse says a referendum should happen “as soon as possible,” ideally within two years, citing rising global threats and the need for stronger European unity. With support for the EU at record highs and security concerns mounting, the debate over Denmark’s place in Europe isn’t going away anytime soon. Read more about opt-outs here.

🗣️ Konservative (Conservatives) want a new language law to protect Danish from getting swamped by trendy foreign words like stealthing and fine-tuning. Their proposal includes a national language council to suggest Danish alternatives and requires public institutions to stick to Danish names in official communication. They say the language shapes culture and identity, and they’re not thrilled about seeing words like inshallah in the Danish dictionary. But language experts say we will speak how we like, no matter what laws are passed.

⚖️ After the documentary The Black Swan, Denmark is tightening its bankruptcy rules. Currently, companies filing for bankruptcy can suggest their own lawyer to manage the estate — even if that lawyer helped them avoid paying debts. That may soon be over. A new recommendation from the Danish Bankruptcy Council calls for neutral, court-appointed trustees instead. The Justice Minister agrees, saying trustees must serve creditors, not debtors. The government plans to propose new legislation this fall.

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Political scene

🇩🇰 Denmark takes over the EU Presidency on July 1, 2025, during one of the most defining moments in Europe’s history. The kick-off happens July 3 in Aarhus, where the government welcomes EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Key themes of the presidency include European security, Ukraine, green energy, migration, and economic competitiveness. A public celebration with concerts and street food will follow in Rådhusparken. Throughout the second half of 2025, Denmark will host informal EU meetings in Aalborg, Herning, Horsens, and Copenhagen. It’s Denmark’s 8th time at the helm; the last time was in 2012. Read here what it means.

👶 After resisting calls to expand Denmark’s adoption investigation, the social minister is now open to dialogue. A newly united opposition, with a majority of 88 seats, is demanding a broader probe. They don’t just want historical facts but legal accountability too. The shift comes after South Korea admitted to violating adoptees’ rights. The current Danish plan includes a general review but not case-by-case scrutiny. The minister warns that reviewing thousands of adoption files would take longer and cost more.

📹 Denmark is getting more surveillance cameras. That’s the key message in the government’s new “safety package,” which aims to boost public security through expanded camera use and looser surveillance regulations. But legal experts are raising red flags. Justitia, a legal think tank, warns that growing surveillance risks eroding privacy and changing behavior, like skipping a protest because you don’t want to be filmed. Critics worry Denmark is sliding toward a state where cameras are everywhere and privacy is a luxury.

🗳️ SF (Socialists) is aiming high ahead of the November local elections, with dreams of going from two to 20 mayoral posts across Denmark. Riding on strong national polls and what they call the “Pia-effect,” (named for popular party leader Pia Olsen Dyhr), the party believes its focus on welfare and green policies will resonate locally. Candidates in Frederikshavn, Randers, and Albertslund are already in the race, hoping national momentum turns into local power.

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Eyes on Greenland

🇬🇱 Greenland’s new coalition government spans four parties and represents 75% of voters, united under the message, “We decide our future.” Jens-Frederik Nielsen from Demokraatit (Liberals) becomes prime minister, backed by IA (Socialists), Siumut (Social Democrats), and Atassut (Conservatives). The agreement stresses careful steps toward independence and plans to resume talks with Denmark for a more equal partnership. A new independent fisheries council is also on the agenda.

🇺🇸 The U.S. is expanding its consulate in Nuuk, moving into a massive 3,000 m² space in central Greenland, even as it closes nearly a dozen consulates elsewhere. While Washington frames it as a boost for trade and research ties, experts see signs of deeper intelligence ambitions. The move follows months of U.S. activity in Greenland, sparking concerns in Copenhagen about growing pressure on the unity of the kingdom.

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Danish Economics HQ

Our money

💰 Denmark just posted a whopping 133.2 billion DKK budget surplus for 2024, its best performance since 2007. That’s 4.5% of GDP and far beyond the government’s own forecast. Thanks to rising wages, low unemployment, and a strong stock market, personal and corporate tax revenues soared. But with increasing numbers of pensioners and growing social costs, experts warn these golden years won’t last forever.

🏗️ We are investing 170 million DKK in 2025 to improve conditions at military bases across the country. The money will go to local repairs, facility upgrades, and better living conditions for soldiers. An additional 120 million DKK is set aside for portable pavilion units, which can temporarily house personnel during renovations or missions abroad. It’s all part of a broader 2 billion DKK defense boost that also covers cybersecurity, equipment upgrades, and core military tasks. The goal? Better buildings, stronger defense, and happier soldiers.

🪖 After Trump signaled the U.S. might not defend NATO allies, Europe went into defense overdrive. The EU just earmarked 6,000 billion DKK for military upgrades, and Germany alone is investing 3,000 billion DKK. Countries like France, Germany, and the Nordics have strong defense industries. France is the world’s number two arms exporter, and Sweden’s Saab makes jets and submarines, but Europe still lacks firepower and manpower.

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State of the markets

🥤 Jolly Cola is back, and it’s picking a fight with America. After Trump’s televised clash with Ukraine’s president, the classic Danish soda brand launched its biggest campaign in years with buses across Denmark declaring, “0% USA, 100% Danish.” It’s a nod to Jolly’s original mission from 1959 to resist Coca-Cola’s American invasion. While Jolly’s market share is just 1%, sales recently jumped 50%. The brewery says it's not exploiting politics but responding to rising demand for local alternatives. Meanwhile, Harboe and Thisted haven't joined the cola-culture war just yet.

⚓ Odense Havn wants to bring warship building back to Denmark and says it’s ready to deliver the first vessels by 2029. The offer comes as Denmark ramps up defense efforts with new drones, ammunition, and naval plans. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen promises a fleet strategy soon but hasn’t committed yet to a timeline. Odense argues it has the space, tech, and know-how to build a high-tech shipyard like no other in Denmark.

🛠️ Denmark’s massive defense upgrade is opening new doors for small businesses. With 250 billion DKK on the table for weapons, gear, and barracks renovations, companies that never worked with the military before now see big opportunities. From electricians to suppliers of basic equipment, SMEs across the country are gearing up to join the defense supply chain.

🏗️ Local firms are flooding workshops hosted by regional business hubs to learn how to win military contracts. Events are selling out nationwide, as companies see both profit and purpose in supporting national defense.

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Entrepreneurship

A new session for the “Business Economics for Entrepreneurs” online course starts on May 6. You can learn how to use a bookkeeping system, create invoices and bookkeep expenditure, and report VAT and taxes. Besides that, you can learn about budgeting and financial planning. Sign up here.

Free events for entrepreneurs: Odense Robotics Annual Meeting (April 8); SMIL Aarhus (May 22).

Danish Daily Life HQ

🪙 A man with a metal detector may have just rewritten Danish history. While scanning a field on Tåsinge (an island south of Fyn), Jan Hjort uncovered a small bronze stamp (a patrice) that may link Denmark directly to one of the U.K.’s most iconic royal treasures, the Sutton Hoo helmet. Experts now believe this Danish-made piece could prove that 600s-era Denmark played a much bigger role in European power structures than previously thought. The National Museum calls it a “missing link,” and yes, you can see it for yourself in Copenhagen starting April 1.

🎓 Denmark just scored big in European research. A total of 92 researchers have received a postdoctoral fellowship under Horizon Europe. That’s over 171 million DKK in funding coming to Denmark — a jump from 102 million DKK last year. The fellowships are part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, designed to promote researcher mobility and global careers. With a 20% success rate (well above the EU average), Denmark ranks third in Europe.

📚 Two Danish books are in the running for this year’s Nordic Council Literature Prize, which celebrates the best fiction from across the Nordic countries. The Danish nominees are Dødebogsblade, a diary-novel by Madame Nielsen, and Insula, a novel by Thomas Boberg. Both works explore the complexity of being human in a changing world. The winner will be announced on October 21, with 300,000 DKK and major literary glory up for grabs.

📚 Danish children's literature just got two new stars. Carsten René Nielsen has won the 2024 Culture Ministry’s Author Award for Knoglebowling, a collection of 15 quirky, poetic tales about kids and their everyday oddities. Charlotte Pardi picked up the Illustrator Award for Op Ned Glad Ked, a playful guessing game of emotions brought to life with charming drawings.

👗 Europeans are buying more clothes than ever, with an average of 19 kilos per person every year, according to the European Environment Agency. Most of it is thrown out soon after and ends up incinerated or shipped to Asia or Africa. The rise of fast fashion, online shopping, and social media is driving the trend. 677 tons of unsold clothes were burned in Denmark last year alone. Experts say there’s no such thing as sustainable materials, only sustainable habits.

📱 “Do it because I said so” doesn’t work so well anymore, especially when it comes to screen time. A new study shows that kids are more likely to follow digital rules at home if adults follow them too. Right now, only 29% of families have shared screen rules for both kids and parents, even though nearly half of children think their parents are on their phones too much. Experts suggest setting limits for everyone and creating phone-free zones, because being a role model beats being a rule maker.

“We see a positive impact every day in how our young people interact with each other and learn”: how getting rid of phones changed the culture in one Danish school.

😬 White nicotine pouches (those small, smokeless alternatives to tobacco) are under fire in both Sweden and Denmark. A new Swedish study links them to gum damage and irritated mouth tissue, possibly worse than traditional snus. The issue? These pouches use synthetic nicotine in high doses and aren’t well regulated. Usage among Danish teens is rising fast, with 17% of young adults now using them. Denmark will ban the sale and possession of illegal nicotine pouches starting July 2025.

🦆 After being overrun by killer slugs last year, Gartnergården near Aarhus is fighting back, with ducks. Their new mobile duck house, “Snegleguffer,” lets the feathered pest patrol be moved to where the slimy threat is worst. It’s no joke; these invasive slugs laid hundreds of eggs and destroyed gardens across Denmark in 2024. While slug season is heating up again, ducks have proven better than knives, coffee grounds, or biofilm. But it’s not without risk. As one farmer said, “The ducks love slugs, but foxes also love ducks.”

🪖 On Bornholm, the local Home Guard is calling in the reserves, not just for sandwiches, but to prepare for serious scenarios. With Russia increasingly seen as a potential threat in the Baltic region, Denmark’s easternmost island is stepping up its defense efforts. Volunteers like Winnie, who are usually on the shooting range, now fill in wherever needed due to a lack of personnel. Meanwhile, former reservists are being asked to rejoin, including Dennis, who returned after 10 years to help protect his island.

International Community HQ

New columns

This week we bring you new columns by two regulars. Adrienn Ravn’s latest Inside Out column explores the significance of spring for the human psyche.

And Medha Kapoor returns with the second in her series about Danish Values, this week asking Why are Danes Always Running?

New reporting

The Netflix drama Adolescence has again ignited the debate over young people, phones and social media. With a legal ban on mobile phones about to be ushered in in Danish schools, Ali Lewis talks to students and staff at the International School of Billlund about how getting rid of phones was a game-changer for young people’s well-being.

Our “How to…” guides are designed to help you navigate all those practical issues about life in Denmark that can be so time-consuming. This week, Sudaay Tat Haznedar takes a close look at Change of Ownership Insurance, (Ejerskifteforsikring). What is it, why do you need it when you’re buying a property here, and what are the potential pitfalls to be aware of?

We’re teaming up with online language school Lingua Danica for a special series on Danish language and culture. Each month, founder Sigga Hansen will share an article here in the newsletter exploring the nuances of learning Danish. Plus don’t miss her monthly insights, tips and tricks on our Instagram page. To kick off our collaboration, Daisy Zeijlon speaks to Sigga about her journey and why she believes learning Danish doesn’t need to feel like a chore.

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.

Announcement Board

Self-confidence 4-week program: You can sign up free here. Designed by two women — a health psychologist and a manager with 20+ years of experience in the corporate world — this program is tailored for professional women who want to foster mental well-being, build confidence, and lead both their personal and professional lives with authenticity and assurance.

International media about Denmark

US is putting 'unacceptable pressure' on Greenland, Danish PM says (Euronews)