The return of the wolves; Unlimited sick days; Scandal in the police
Last Week in Denmark (02.02-09.02) Episode 5 Year 5
TOP 3 News
Denmark wants to limit the wolf population.
Unlimited free days for parents to care for sick children.
Police face investigation after revelations that they skip investigative steps to close cases faster and more easily.
Illustration made by Diana Bălașa
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Editor HQ
State of Denmark
🗣️“The European Union fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark.” Antonio Costa, EU President
Greenland is back in the headlines — for the fifth straight week. The independence movement is gaining traction, and Denmark, the EU, and the U.S. are all watching closely. The big question: Will Greenland vote to break away? And what happens if they do?
Two images have dominated this week’s news. First: Mette Frederiksen’s smile at the close of the European Council summit — a gentle sunrise after weeks of dark clouds etched across her brow. The European Union’s pledge resonates like a chorus echoing in an old cathedral: “We stand with you, no matter what.” Greenland’s predicament has sparked an unexpected unity among EU states, binding them in solidarity where before there might have been only polite consensus.
Then comes the second image, more of a sly grin: Kuno Fencker, newly anointed Greenlandic envoy of Trump, returned from his American trip brimming with persuasive energy. Alongside his fiancée, Aki-Mathilda Hoegh-Dam — herself a figure who has carried Greenlandic pride into the Danish Parliament — Fencker has convinced the most powerful party in Greenland, Siumut (Social Democrats), away from its patient approach to independence (“let’s take it slow”) and toward a quickened pulse (“let’s hold a referendum at once”). We spoke of this tactic in prior weeks: first, secure well-placed emissaries, then press for that referendum vote.
It’s no wonder that Greenland’s current leader, Múte B. Egede, called for parliamentary elections on March 11. Two parties dominate the political stage. Siumut, having hopped aboard the express train to independence, stands in one corner. Egede’s party, IA (Inuit Ataqatigiit — Socialists) occupies the other, still grappling with the question: Is it wiser to build a robust economic foundation first, or unshackle from Denmark now? And if IA does switch to the independence camp, then who will represent those Greenlanders hesitant to sever centuries-old ties to the Kingdom of Denmark? Their voices echo in the wings, waiting to see if they’ll be heard.
Meanwhile, Greenland’s Parliament braces for meddling forces beyond its shores. In a preemptive strike, lawmakers have banned foreign donations to parties and politicians while placing stringent limits on property ownership — only those who have lived in Greenland for at least two years can buy a piece of it. Will this be enough to keep the wolves at bay, or is another tightening of the rules just around the corner? Already, there are murmurs in Denmark hinting at a similar clampdown on foreign funds in politics, as if Greenland’s approach has awakened a cautious resolve in Copenhagen.
What remains indisputable is that Greenland’s March 11 election is about more than independence — it’s about whether Denmark, the EU, and even the U.S. will accept the results. Expect tensions to rise in the coming weeks.
🗣️“Greenlanders don’t want to be second-class Danes, but first-class Greenlanders.” Mikaela Engell, former Ombudsman in Greenland
🎨 Catch Greenlandic artist Ivínguak' Stork Høegh's exhibit YOU GAZE ON ME — AS I GAZE UPON YOU by Sunday, Feb 16th at Nordatlantiske Brygge (North Atlantic House). The Director of the North Atlantic House, Karin Elsbudóttir, gave our reporter Ahmet Akkoc an in-depth interview on the institute and their activities.
Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!
Images of the week
🐦 Black Sun Over Midtjylland – The sky turned into a living artwork as thousands of starlings performed their mesmerizing dance. A resident grabbed their camera just in time to capture the swirling black waves above.
🦌 A Midday Gathering of Red Deer – Hundreds of red deer were caught in broad daylight, standing like statues against the winter landscape. A rare sight, a silent moment of wilderness undisturbed, reminding us that Denmark’s untamed beauty is never too far away.
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Danish Politics HQ
Law proposals
💼 Reform of job centers. Negotiations for the future of job centers have started. The goal? To save three billion DKK and simplify the municipality's task of getting people into employment. However, we should keep in mind that we have had the best employment support system in Europe for the last 13 years and the lowest unemployment rate. P.S. A market is opening up for the private sector in providing support for the unemployed with job search, CV and interview preparation, upskilling, etc.
🗳️ Foreign donations to be banned in elections. A broad political majority backs a ban on foreign donations to Danish election campaigns, aiming to prevent outside influence. Inspired by Greenland’s swift action, the Folketing has instructed the government to draft a bill ASAP.
⚖️️ Stealthing to be criminalized. The government plans to criminalize stealthing — the non-consensual removal or tampering of a condom — punishable by two-four years in prison. A bill is expected in 2025 to strengthen protection against sexual assault.
⚖️⏳ Faster guardianship processing on the way. A new bill aims to cut long case processing times for vulnerable citizens needing guardianship. Currently, it takes over ten months to appoint a guardian and three and a half years for financial gifts to be approved. The proposal simplifies rules, giving guardians quicker access to funds and allowing relatives to assist loved ones without lengthy bureaucracy.
💰⚖️ Debate over patient compensation deductions. A controversial personal contribution of 8,930 DKK is deducted from patient compensation, even in serious malpractice cases. While some parties push for abolition, others suggest a percentage-based system. An evaluation is expected within six months to guide future legislation.
Political scene
“Denmark is not a good ally,” says vice president of the US, JD Vance. Words that triggered a wave of anti-American sentiment in Denmark. From calls to close the U.S. military base in Greenland to boycotting American products to refusing American customers.
🇫🇴 The Faroe Islands want more self-governance. The Danish Kingdom could face internal fractures if it doesn’t modernize, warns Sambandsflokkurin (liberal, pro-union with Denmark). The Faroe Islands want more autonomy, including control over foreign policy and trade agreements, while keeping a shared monarch and constitution.
🐺 Denmark pushes EU for wolf regulation. The wolf debate in Denmark has reached new heights, with people divided between protection and culling. After sightings near homes and livestock attacks, Minister Jeppe Bruus is in Brussels, lobbying for EU rule changes that would allow wolf population control.
⚖️ The government aims to ban religious polygamy. They want to ban polygamy in religious circles, calling it a “medieval practice.” While civil polygamous marriages are already illegal, religious marriages create a loophole. An expert group will be formed in 2025 to explore legal solutions, aiming to prevent women from being trapped in unofficial unions.
💸 War tax or political fear-mongering? A Liberal Alliance ad claims that we face a war tax of 43,500 DKK per year, sparking backlash from the Minister of Economy, who calls it misleading. The government hasn’t ruled out tax increases to fund defense spending but insists no such bill has been decided.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
⚖️ Flexibility takes center stage in labor talks. As negotiations unfold, workers demand more flexibility — from better shift schedules to time off for caregiving. Employers, however, seek fewer job restrictions and expanded weekend work. A compromise may involve expanding the discretionary account, allowing workers to trade bonuses for extra time off.
📱 AI cuts driving time for home care workers. Lemvig Municipality’s new AI-powered app has slashed home care driving time by nearly half, freeing up more time for elderly care. Originally used by TDC technicians, the system optimizes caregiver routes, ensuring continuity in patient visits.
📉 ATP posts loss, sparking criticism of pension model. ATP, Denmark’s mandatory labor market pension fund, reported a 169 million DKK loss in its risk-based investments last year, reducing potential pension growth. While stocks performed well, losses in bonds and unlisted shares offset gains. Critics argue the model delivers low, unstable returns, but ATP maintains its focus on security over high-risk investing.
State of the markets
📈 Pension company sees record growth in payments. PFA experienced a 16.8% increase in payments, reaching 61.3 billion DKK in 2024, driven by more customers and higher one-time contributions. The company also posted a pre-tax profit of 2.5 billion DKK, up from 1.6 billion the previous year. Strong investments led to a 13.3% return for long-term savers.
👨👩👧 Unlimited sick days for parents gain traction. Aalborg Congress and Culture Center allows unlimited leave for parents to tend to sick children, giving employees flexibility without financial loss. The policy has boosted job satisfaction and loyalty, with minimal costs to the company. As flexibility becomes a key issue in labor negotiations, this approach may inspire broader changes in Denmark’s work culture.
🔋 Hydrogen pipeline to Germany back on track. A shortened hydrogen pipeline from Esbjerg to Germany will be built by 2030, after delays threatened Denmark’s green energy ambitions. The government will provide over 8 billion DKK in subsidies, easing market barriers. While the project is scaled down, it lays the groundwork for future expansion and strengthens Denmark’s role in hydrogen exports.
Entrepreneurship
💡Opportunity for founders: Join “The Founder to Leader Program,” which is the first personal leadership program designed for founders based in Denmark. It entails immersive offsite retreats exploring your personal leadership as well as individual coaching sessions with a leadership coach. Apply here. Free.
Danish Daily Life HQ
🏠 Burglaries hit a historic low, but prevention efforts must continue. Denmark saw 14,405 reported burglaries in 2024, the lowest in 50 years. Experts credit community cooperation, police efforts, and security measures for the decline. Although numbers have stabilized since the pandemic, crime prevention groups urge stronger neighbor networks and outdoor sensor lighting to push rates even lower.
🏡 The tiny house movement gains ground in Denmark. More people in Denmark are embracing smaller homes as an alternative to traditional detached houses, seeking financial freedom and a simpler lifestyle. While eco-communities and flexible housing options are growing, strict zoning laws make tiny house living legally challenging. Experts predict a continued shift toward compact, community-focused housing in the future.
🔗 QR code for a safer night out. Aalborg youth, in collaboration with the municipality, have launched “Brænder lortet på?” — a QR code linking to safety tips, emergency contacts, and Safe Houses for nightlife. The initiative aims to reduce insecurity after recent tragedies, ensuring young people get home safely after a night out.
🌿 Lost lakes returning: Odby Sø to be restored. A former lake in Thyholm will be refilled, reversing a 150-year-old drainage project. The 80-hectare Odby Sø will help reduce nitrogen pollution in the Limfjord while creating new habitats for wildlife. As part of Denmark’s broader nature restoration effort, up to 100 lakes may be restored by 2030.
🔥 Earth’s fever continues: January shatters heat records. The planet just had its hottest January on record, with 24 out of 31 days breaking previous global temperature highs, says the EU’s Earth observation program, Copernicus. Denmark also experienced above-average temperatures as global warming accelerates due to human emissions. Scientists warn of more floods, fires, and extreme weather unless urgent action is taken.
🧴 Microplastics found in human brains — how to reduce your exposure. A new study finds microplastics in human brain tissue, with levels increasing over the past decade. While health effects remain unclear, experts urge caution. Ways to reduce exposure? Ventilate your home, drink tap water, choose natural fabrics, avoid heating plastic utensils, and skip single-use plastics like to-go cups.
👜 Luxury brands face a “flop era” — can they recover? After years of soaring prices and record profits, luxury brands are stumbling. Sales have stagnated, 50 million customers have disappeared globally, and social media is calling out the exorbitant pricing. Young consumers now prefer secondhand, DIY, or unique pieces over mass-market luxury. A wake-up call or the end of an era?
🏆 Danish handball masters claim fourth consecutive world championship. Denmark’s male handball team has done it again! In a physical showdown against Croatia, the Danes stood their ground and secured a 32-26 victory, cementing their dominance with a fourth consecutive world title.
🔍 Danish police accused of “washing” cases – investigation launched. A shocking practice has come to light in Denmark’s police force, where officers reportedly “wash” cases by deliberately skipping investigative steps, allowing them to close cases more easily. This includes failing to collect surveillance footage or question witnesses. The Attorney General has now launched an internal oversight investigation, but opposition parties demand an external inquiry to ensure transparency.
International Community HQ
Laura Matheson visits UN City, in Copenhagen, to find out why it’s a model of sustainability and Danish values.
Jittal Mehta writes about the recent Plant Food Festival in Aarhus and its role in Denmark’s food revolution.
Daniel Schneider speaks to the owner of the Aalborg-based Poke & Roll group about the secrets to success for international entrepreneurs.
New columns
We introduce a new column from Medha Kapoor, in which she’ll delve into aspects of Danish values.
Adrienn Ravn brings the first full edition of her new column, “Inside Out,” examining the Cost of Ignoring Yourself.
John’s Dixon’s second installment of his travel column, “Jeg Tog to Tog”, takes place in Herning!
Florin Lungu’s “Leadership in the Nordics” column is back, this time looking at why an authoritarian approach doesn’t work here.
Announcement Board
🏳️🌈 Copenhagen, February 19-24: Celebrate diversity and inclusion at Winter Pride 2025, a week-long festival dedicated to strengthening LGBTQ+ communities in Denmark and beyond. Through debates, workshops, talks, and cultural events, Winter Pride creates space for dialogue and reflection on key issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
🚶♂️ Aalborg, February 12, 16:45: Join a Walk & Talk event in Aalborg, where internationals and Danes come together for a casual stroll and conversation. This is a great opportunity to expand your network, exchange experiences, and enjoy a friendly walk in the company of new and familiar faces.
Aalborg, February 17, 12:00-18:00: Calling all trading card game enthusiasts! Join the Empire TCG Game Day for an exciting day of strategic gameplay, friendly competition, and community building.
International media about Denmark
On Greenland, Trump’s choice is warmed-over McKinley or a landmark security deal (Atlantic Council)
On the unlimited sick days discussion on the podcast, it wasn't really discussed how this is even being discussed because of the working environment in Denmark relies on freedom of its workers. The pandemic also showed how staying at home definitely does not mean that work stops. Plus this would limit the spread of the flu, since parents are often forced to go to work when sick and thereby spreading it to fellow office workers. Yes, it sounds like Nordic socialist idealism, but realistically it is just a way to give people more freedom how they complete their work.
Saddened to already see the individual cut off of relationships with Americans, especially one that had the potential to help many see there are other ways of life, other means of government. It seems short-sighted to close off access to how we might do things better—but then that’s one of the goals of the entire Trump regime.