Phone ban; Boycott intensifies; Adoptees = immigrants
Last Week in Denmark (23.02-02.03) Episode 8 Year 5
TOP 3 News
Denmark wants to ban phones in schools and reform “childhood.”
The boycott against products from U.S. companies intensifies. Now, with a black star to identify products from European companies.
The government got into trouble after they classified adoptees from abroad as immigrants.
Illustration made by Diana Bălașa
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Editor HQ
State of Denmark
Denmark is rethinking childhood. Again. The Trivselskommission has presented 35 recommendations, and the message is clear: kids need more independence, fewer screens, and stronger real-world connections.
Parents, you’re in the spotlight. The commission says you’re doing too much. Solving problems before they happen, shielding kids from challenges, stepping in at every sign of struggle. Teachers see it every day: parents hovering, micromanaging, even walking kids into classrooms long past the age where they should be handling things on their own.
And guess what? The state is part of the problem. For 20 years, it has bombarded parents with advice, rules, and guidelines. Now, those same parents are being told to back off. But even that feels like just another set of instructions.
Meanwhile, school absenteeism is a growing issue. More than 110,000 students missed at least 20 school days last year. This isn’t just kids skipping class; it’s a warning sign. A symptom of something bigger. Some parents say they feel abandoned, left to deal with children who struggle to keep up while schools take forever to act.
The commission isn’t pulling punches. Phones should be banned in schools. Social media should be restricted for younger kids. Tech companies need to step up and take responsibility for addictive content. Education should rely less on screens and more on real experiences. Sports, after-school jobs, volunteering; kids need to engage with the world beyond their devices.
The grading system? It needs to change. Mental health services? They need to expand. Parents? You need to step back and let kids fail, learn, and grow without interference.
The government is backing key proposals like the phone ban. But the real question isn’t about policy; it’s about whether Denmark is ready to let kids take back their childhood. Are we?
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Images of the week
❄️ Ice defies gravity in Norway. A rare phenomenon has left scientists scratching their heads as icicles appear to be growing upwards instead of down. Found in a Norwegian cave, these strange formations challenge our understanding of how ice behaves in freezing conditions. See the surreal images here.
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Danish Politics HQ
New laws
⏳ Denmark is raising the retirement age to 70 for everyone born after 1971, despite growing criticism that the system is unfair to those with physically demanding jobs. The law, which adjusts retirement based on life expectancy, is moving forward even as unions and opposition parties push for changes. Critics argue that many workers will struggle to stay in the workforce that long, and current early retirement options aren’t enough. Supporters say the move is necessary to sustain public finances. The government is standing by the change for now but has signaled that future reforms could be on the table.
🐶 New breeding rules to protect dogs’ health. From July 2025, stricter criteria will regulate dog breeding in Denmark, aiming to prevent genetic diseases and harmful physical traits. Part of Denmark’s first animal welfare agreement, the rules require health screenings before breeding, ensuring dogs are not bred into a life of suffering.
Law proposals
📵 Denmark moves to ban phones in schools. The government plans to ban mobile phones and personal tablets in schools and after-school programs, following a key recommendation from the Trivselskommission. A recent study found that more than a third of students in 6th and 8th grade feel disrupted by digital devices, even though most schools already have phone-limiting policies. School leaders aren’t thrilled, saying decisions should be made locally, not by law. The commission also recommends that kids shouldn’t have their own smartphone or tablet before age 13.
✈️ Longer delays, less compensation. Passengers may soon have to wait five hours instead of three before they can claim compensation for delayed flights. The EU proposal, backed by the Danish government and a majority in parliament, aims to ease financial pressure on airlines and encourage them to operate delayed flights rather than canceling them. Critics argue it weakens passenger rights and could lead to longer waiting times. The proposal will be negotiated further in Brussels, where opinions are divided on whether the focus should be on passenger rights or airline costs.
🐾 Harsher penalties for animal cruelty on the way. The government’s new report recommends doubling prison sentences for severe animal welfare violations, increasing fines, and making it easier to ban offenders from owning animals. The proposals, part of Denmark’s first animal welfare agreement, will now be discussed by Parliament’s working group.
Political scene
📢 More Ukrainian refugees want to stay in Denmark when the war ends, and employers want to keep them. Businesses say they’ve become a vital part of the workforce, but the government insists they must return home when it’s safe. The argument? Ukraine needs them for reconstruction. Business leaders are pushing for rule changes that would make it easier for them to stay, but officials say they can apply for regular work permits like everyone else. Companies warn that losing these workers would be a major setback, and some politicians are open to loosening the rules.
🇩🇰💰 Denmark is sending another 405 million DKK to Ukraine for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, bringing total Danish humanitarian support past 1 billion DKK. As the war enters its third year, nearly 13 million Ukrainians still need urgent assistance, with destroyed homes, failing infrastructure, and limited access to water, electricity, and healthcare. Russia’s attacks have wiped out 75% of Ukraine’s power production.
🇩🇰🇳🇴 Denmark and Norway strengthen defense ties. The two countries plan closer military cooperation, including joint training, defense procurement, and surveillance of key areas like the North Sea, the Baltic, and the Arctic. The initiative aims to boost Nordic defense capabilities and speed up military production. Leaders emphasize that small nations can achieve more together, particularly in maintaining F-35 jets and strengthening their defense industries. Details of the agreement will be presented later this spring.
🇬🇱 Greenland election debate focuses on childcare crisis. While independence dominates international coverage, local voters are more concerned about daily life. In a recent debate, the biggest issue was the severe shortage of trained preschool teachers, leaving one staff member to manage 20 children in some cases. Voters demanded better wages and working conditions to attract more professionals.
🇩🇪 Germany moves right as conservatives and AfD gain. The election saw a strong conservative win and a historic result for the far-right AfD, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD (Social Democrats) had its worst outcome since WWII. Coalition talks have begun, but with economic troubles, military demands, and European pressure, Germany must act quickly to restore stability. Most likely, we will see a government coalition between conservatives and the SPD.
🇩🇰 Adopted Danes to be exempt from workfare law. After public outrage and political pressure, Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen confirms that adoptees will not be classified as immigrants under the new workfare system. While she has acknowledged the mistake, she stopped short of an apology, insisting she’s focused on fixing the issue. Critics argue the oversight never should have happened, with opposition parties calling for a full review of the law.
🇩🇰 #ErJegStadigDansk (“Am I still Danish”) sparks national debate. The controversial workfare policy ignited a wave of frustration among adoptees who felt their Danish identity was being questioned. Social media exploded with personal stories, while legal experts warned the rule could violate anti-discrimination laws. Politicians scrambled to contain the damage, with some government allies even admitting the law needs urgent revision. Adoption advocates demand guarantees that similar oversights won’t happen again.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
🛒 Salling Group makes it easier to choose European brands. Denmark’s largest grocery chain is introducing a black star symbol next to prices in Bilka, Føtex, and Netto to highlight products from European-owned companies. The move comes after customer requests for better transparency on product origins. Salling Group emphasizes that this is not a boycott of non-European brands but simply an added service for those who prefer to shop European. The new labeling system will be rolled out in March. Read more about this from our reporter, Laura Matheson.
🛒 Growing boycott of American products in Denmark. More consumers are choosing to avoid American goods, a trend that has gained momentum since President Trump’s inauguration in January. Shops report customers actively rejecting products like pretzels and cheese puffs, while a Facebook group dedicated to boycotting U.S. goods has attracted nearly 15,000 members in just a few weeks. Experts see this as part of a broader consumer shift, where purchasing decisions are used as a political statement. Some stores are responding by stocking fewer American brands and promoting local alternatives.
🚛 Higher wages and better benefits for transport workers. A new labor deal will raise wages by 2,285 DKK per month by 2027, with annual increases. Pension contributions will rise, and employees will get more flexibility, including extra leave for sick children and caregiving. A senior scheme allows up to 46 self-funded days off annually. The deal, covering 45,000 workers, is expected to boost real wages and improve workplace well-being. The agreement awaits final approval.
⚖️ Push for more rights for sex workers in Denmark. A new proposal suggests sex workers should have the same labor rights as other employees, including access to unemployment benefits, sick leave, and pensions. Supporters argue that sex work is legal and should come with basic protections, while critics warn that formal recognition could lead to further exploitation, especially of young people. The recommendations also call for better workplace safety, anonymous crime reporting, and a national research center on sex work. The proposal has been sent to government ministers for review.
🌱 Denmark’s largest land conversion project begins. As part of the Green Tripartite Agreement, 15% of farmland will be converted to nature and forests by 2030. The government has set aside 43 billion DKK for the initiative, starting with the purchase of farmland near Kolding to create a wetland that reduces nitrogen runoff.
🎨 Art to mark 80 years of Denmark’s liberation. To commemorate the end of the WWII occupation, the government is investing 2.8 million DKK in public art and cultural projects. Municipalities can apply for funding to create exhibitions, concerts, and visual art installations reflecting on freedom and remembrance.
State of the markets
⚔️ U.S. pressure on Ukraine raises concerns in Europe. The U.S. has proposed access to Ukraine’s mineral resource profits as repayment for military aid they already supplied, although not at a fair or equal “price.” They’ve even threatened to cut off access to Starlink (owned by Elon Musk), a crucial satellite communication system for Ukrainian forces. The move has alarmed European leaders, who now question their reliance on American military support. With European defense spending expected to rise by nearly 1.9 trillion DKK annually, there is growing pressure to invest in European-made equipment rather than relying on US suppliers, especially after concerns that American technology could be shut down for political reasons. Some argue that Europe must develop its own intelligence and military infrastructure, particularly in areas like missile defense, drones, and satellite communications, to avoid becoming vulnerable to external pressure.
💰 Denmark’s top CEOs earned 643 million DKK in 2024. The latest financial reports from 21 major companies reveal that executive pay remains high, with the best-paid CEO earning over 50 million DKK. While company size is the biggest factor in determining salaries, industry also plays a role, with pharmaceutical and shipping executives among the highest earners. Meanwhile, Denmark’s biggest companies reported a combined profit of 272 billion DKK last year, up significantly from 102 billion in 2019. Despite rising profits, questions remain about how much influence individual CEOs actually have, as market conditions often play a bigger role in financial success.
🤖 Companies double AI adoption relative to EU in one year. In 2024, 28% of businesses in Denmark used artificial intelligence, double the European average of 14%. This rapid growth highlights Denmark’s strong focus on digitalization, supported by government initiatives like the Danish Digital Growth Strategy 2025. While AI adoption is expanding across industries, Denmark remains ahead of most European countries in integrating AI into business operations, automation, and decision-making.
Entrepreneurship
Cyber Angel Academy kicks off March 5 in Aarhus, uniting investors, startups, and experts to boost Denmark’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Gain insights, network with key players, and explore new investment opportunities. Register here.
Want to see Denmark’s top university startups pitch live? Enter to win tickets to the National Startup Competition 2025 Award Show on March 27 at IDA, where the best startup takes home 100,000 DKK. Connect with founders, industry leaders, and changemakers shaping the future. 📩 Sign up to win your ticket!
Danish Daily Life HQ
📵 Breaking free from the screen. Like many parents, one father found himself glued to his phone, checking the weather, reading news, or refreshing social media while making breakfast for his kids. Over time, he noticed his attention span shrinking, and he couldn’t even finish a book. Determined to regain focus, he wrote Kig Op, a book about digital addiction and how to reclaim control. He warns that ‘phubbing’ – ignoring loved ones in favor of phones – harms relationships, especially with children, who notice when parents prioritize screens over them.
🏃♂️ Royal Run 2025 is set for a record-breaking year. This year’s Royal Run will bring 97,500 runners to the streets of Ribe, Viborg, Horsens, Korsør, and Copenhagen, with the royal family once again lacing up their running shoes. King Frederik will kick things off in Ribe, then head to Horsens before finishing in Copenhagen. Crown Prince Christian will run in Viborg, while Queen Mary will take on Korsør.
⛪ More babies baptized in Northern Denmark. While church membership is dropping across Denmark, baptism rates in Aalborg Diocese are on the rise. In 2023, 71.1% of newborns were baptized, making it one of only two dioceses in the country where the number increased. Despite the bump in baptisms, overall National Church membership continues to decline, with the latest figures showing that 70.7% of the population are members.
🚭 Smoking declines, but nicotine use rises among youth. Fewer people smoke, with daily or occasional smokers dropping from 19% in 2022 to 17% in 2024, and youth smoking rates falling from 25% to 21%. However, e-cigarette and nicotine pouch use is rising, with 12% of 15-29-year-olds vaping and 14% using smokeless nicotine products. The government’s prevention plan includes higher taxes, stricter age controls, and bans on flavored nicotine pouches to curb addiction among young people.
🎗️ Breast cancer cases are stable in Denmark, unlike global trends. While the number of breast cancer cases is expected to rise worldwide, Denmark has seen no increase in the past decade. Experts attribute this to lifestyle factors, including childbirth patterns, as having children earlier in life is linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Survival rates are at an all-time high due to better surgeries, targeted therapies, and more effective radiation treatments.
🔨 More women are training as carpenters, but progress is slow. The number of women enrolling in carpentry programs has increased from 1.8% in 2020 to 2.8% in 2024, yet the field remains overwhelmingly male-dominated. Many employers still hesitate to hire female apprentices due to concerns about workplace culture and physical demands, but those who do often change their perspective.
📚 Library loans keep rising, with digital lending growing fast. In 2024, Denmark’s libraries recorded 35 million loans, continuing an upward trend. Physical books still dominate, making up 68% of all loans, but digital lending through eReolen and Filmstriben is increasing. People aged 30-49 were the most active borrowers, responsible for two out of five loans, while younger users relied more on digital content. Women borrowed significantly more than men, making up 72% of physical book loans.
International Community HQ
🇩🇰 French parents are shocked by Danish parenting. In France, pregnancy comes with strict rules and constant checkups. In Denmark, the advice is simple: trust your body. Léa Johansen shared these cultural differences online, and her French followers were stunned. Now, her book Parentalité scandinave is making waves, with politicians and even royalty taking notice. Could Denmark’s parenting style be its next big export?
🇩🇰 Ukrainians are saving a small Danish town. In the tiny town of Ådum, Ukrainians now make up 13% of the population. Without them, the school would have closed and houses would still be empty. Locals have helped them settle, and nearly all are now employed. One Ukrainian mother who fled with her twins works at a local bakery and hopes to stay in Denmark after the war. With 97% of working-age Ukrainians in jobs, the mayor calls them a huge asset and hopes many will stay.
New columns
We’re really proud of how our columnist team continues to grow and diversify! This week sees the return of two LWID regulars and the second in an exciting new series!
Stephanie Makison is back with another episode of How to Live Like a Local. This month she’s looking at the distinctive Danish interior style.
Adrienn Ravn has the third in her new series Inside Out. This week she explores how change is better understood as an unfinished bridge than a giant leap.
And Trish Knudsen’s new column Culture Shock takes a look at Denmark’s contender for Best International Feature at Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, Pigen med Nålen (The Girl With the Needle)
New reporting
Our grant from the Ministry of Culture is helping us grow our team and do more original reporting than ever before!
This week, in our “How to…” series helping you with everyday life challenges in Denmark
Ahmet Akkoç reports on what you need to do to achieve citizenship under the new rules.
Ali Lewis has a handy guide to finding pet care when you’re on vacation.
Gosia Kozlowska has all you need to know about getting fertility treatment as an international.
Sadman Golam has lots of useful advice about how to find work in Denmark when you’re young and relatively unskilled.
Did you know it’s possible to bring your elderly parents to live in Denmark, whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen? Suuday Tat Haznedar has more!
Our reporters are also skilled at delving into aspects of life in Denmark that you might not know about! This week Daniel Schneider explores one of Denmark’s lesser-known international industries: weddings!
And Ali Lewis talks to native Dane Nina Nordskov about how her international mindset and determination helped her build a successful business in her 20s as one of Denmark’s only specialist hair colourists.
Do you have a business that our readers should know about? Get in touch with us here.
Announcement Board
Esbjerg, March 6, 17:00: A short trip to Mexico & Estonia @The Living Room - café for people of all nationalities at Esbjerg International House.
International media about Denmark
How Denmark's Social Democrats are succeeding with stricter immigration policies (New York Times)
Denmark wanted advice on handling Trump. It turned to Ozempic’s boss.(Politico)
Denmark’s Inuit children experiment (BBC Sounds)
I like where the newsletter is nowadays, it's much more informative, and much more positive than it was a year or two ago, when it was just sad. It still has a way to go in terms of positivity about being a part of this community, but it's on its way up. Its more of a "foreigners newsletter" than a "danish newsletter with foreigners perspective", which is where I wish it to be eventually.
One thing I found WILD is that you've listed like proposed/current 10 languages for the newsletter, and none of them are Danish :D You know... The one language your entire reader base is actively learning...
I think this omission is actually very related to what I wrote above, and a symptom of the authors not really feeling themselves as part of the Danish community, even though their ties with Denmark are becoming stronger with every year.