The silent pandemic - Stress affects 25% of people in Denmark
Last Week in Denmark (19.04-26.04) Episode 15 Year 6
What did we learn this week?
Long-haul flights and food prices rising. We might run out of jet fuel soon so prepare a plan B vacation.
If your child has any registered income, they will also receive a tax statement from now on.
Most adults should get tested at least once for lipoprotein (a), a hidden blood fat that is as risky as cholesterol.
Letter from the editor
If you are reading this on your e-mail, you will notice that there are no links. To read the version with links, please look for lastweekdk.substack.com. Why? We need to do this for two more editions until we hopefully get “whitelisted” again by the Google Mail algorithm. It’s really not fun to have our weekly newsletter flagged as spam, as you have seen in the previous weeks.
Unfortunately, we need to train Gmail that our weekly newsletter is safe, as it has been for the last five years. If we fail after four editions, we have to move our mail operation from Substack.
If you look at the statistics in Denmark, you will notice an overrepresentation of Eastern and Southern Europeans and non-Europeans in low-skill, low-pay jobs. Through the Nordplus project “Career Compass,” Aalborg Institute for Development took a closer look at migrants working in these jobs and identified three main groups: skilled workers whose qualifications are not recognized, international graduates who cannot find jobs in their field despite having a Danish higher degree, and unskilled migrant workers.
While the first and second groups have been discussed before, the project looked deeper into the third. Many of these unskilled workers share a similar story. They left their home country before completing education or training, moved from country to country in search of better pay, and remained in low-skill jobs. Now in their mid- to late-thirties, many express a strong desire to exit this cycle but face structural barriers that make it difficult.
The Career Compass project is now preparing a policy report to bring this issue in front of decision makers and support organizations working with internationals. The report identifies six key barriers and proposes a set of policy recommendations. Through a public hearing, we invite you to share your views on both the barriers and the proposed solutions, and maybe even propose others. Join the conversation and help shape what comes next.
Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!
Narcis George Matache, Executive Editor, LWID
Our long-form articles this week…
Denmark’s growing body positive moment by Hannah Mildner
How to…buy a car in Denmark by Sudaay Tat Haznedar
How to… Speak Real Danish by Maja Christiansen Cawthra
The International Diaries: Angela Namere’s Journey of Starting MyBelly by Elena Shpileva
Tur-retur: Episode 14 - PSA for tourists to Denmark: There’s life beyond Nyhavn! by Laura Matheson
Want to dig deeper into the latest news? Check out the Last Week in Denmark podcast. New episodes drop on all podcast apps and YouTube every Wednesday. Follow us now so you don’t miss it.
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🍽️ The organization nabo is looking for volunteers across Central Denmark, North Denmark and Zealand to join Taste of Fællesskab, a nationwide project bringing internationals and locals together through shared meals and stories. Volunteers will receive free training in community organizing, help run three local food events in 2026, and join a growing national network focused on belonging, with a chance to be featured in a cookbook. Reach out at projects@mynabo.dk. Deadline is May 1.
Did you know you can read Last Week in Denmark in eight other languages?
Romanian - Polish - Spanish - Turkish - Italian - German - Hungarian - Ukrainian
Danish Politics HQ
Law proposals
🏡 A proposal to change the Planning Act could make it easier to turn farms into tourism and business projects in rural areas. Right now, strict rules limit what can be built on agricultural land, often blocking ideas like hotels or event spaces. Supporters argue that loosening the law could create jobs and new income streams as traditional farming declines. The proposal is still at an early stage, but it reflects growing pressure to rethink how the countryside can develop beyond agriculture.
Political scene
🚗 Road pricing could become the next big shift in how driving is taxed, replacing parts of today’s fixed car taxes with a system where you pay based on how much and when you drive. Tests show it could reduce traffic significantly, especially in major cities. But many local politicians are pushing back, warning about higher costs for commuters and lack of alternatives like public transport. A final proposal is expected this year.
🚆 Calls for safer local trains. After a new collision on the Gribskovbanen left several people seriously injured, mayors are demanding action on rail safety, pointing out that many local lines still lack automatic braking systems that can stop trains if drivers miss a signal. The system was introduced on some lines after past fatal accidents, but large parts of the network never got it. Now, pressure is building for a political decision to upgrade safety nationwide, though it could come with a significant price tag.
⚡ The EU is proposing new subsidies to help households and businesses switch from gas and oil heating to greener options like heat pumps and solar panels. The plan comes as rising energy prices push the bloc to speed up its transition away from fossil fuels. Alongside subsidies, the proposal includes energy vouchers and lower electricity taxes for vulnerable households. It is not a law, but a toolkit for member states, meaning Denmark could expand existing support schemes if they choose.
📜 A proposal to abolish the “Quran law” is back on the table, which would once again make it legal to publicly burn or desecrate religious texts. The law was introduced in 2023 to prevent international tensions after a series of protests. While there is now a parliamentary majority that previously opposed the law, key parties are hesitating, warning that removing it could trigger a new diplomatic crisis.
⚖️ DF (Nationalist Conservative) is proposing a change to criminal law that would allow 15-year-olds to receive life sentences for serious crimes. Today, people under 18 cannot be given these maximum penalties, as age is taken into account. Supporters argue that extreme crimes should be punished equally regardless of age, but the proposal is still at an early stage and likely to spark strong debate.
Updates from the government negotiations
🏛️ Government talks are moving again after a tense standoff over the welfare deal that links pension age to longer life expectancy. Lars Løkke Rasmussen and the blue parties feared Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) wanted to weaken it, while Mette Frederiksen refused to settle the issue before a new government was formed. That clash froze negotiations for days, until a new working life commission helped push the pension fight into the future and got Moderaterne (Social Liberals) back to the table. So the talks are alive again.
At the same time, pressure is rising inside Venstre (Liberals). After a very poor election, especially in the big cities, more party voices are warning against joining another government with Mette Frederiksen. They say Venstre needs time in opposition to rebuild its profile and reconnect with urban voters.
Daily Life in Denmark HQ
🌼 Pollen season hits hard. Pollen count has surged far above normal levels, and with around 1 million people affected, allergy hotlines are seeing a spike in calls as symptoms like itchy eyes and breathing issues intensify. Experts advise tracking daily pollen levels, getting proper medical treatment instead of relying only on over-the-counter meds, and adjusting routines like airing out your home at the right time.
🧠 Stress is hitting every fourth person, with experts warning it is becoming a shared societal issue rather than just an individual problem. New figures show stress-related absence costs workplaces at least 16.4 billion DKK per year, equal to around 37,000 full-time jobs. A leading psychologist points to factors like constant pressure and blurred work-life boundaries. While physical movement and small daily changes can help, he argues that employers and society also carry responsibility.
🫀 A hidden blood fat could be as risky as cholesterol, and experts say most adults should get tested at least once. Around one in five people in Denmark may have high levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease that does not change with lifestyle. While there is currently no treatment to lower it, knowing your level can help you manage other risks like blood pressure. Researchers expect testing for it to become a standard part of health checks in the near future.
⚰️ “Death doulas” are starting to appear in Denmark, offering emotional and practical support to people facing the end of life. Unlike doctors or nurses, they guide both the dying person and their family before and after death, helping with difficult conversations and preparation. The role is not officially regulated yet, but interest is growing as more people feel that death has become too institutionalized. Supporters say it fills a gap by bringing a more human, open approach to dying and grief.
💬 Talking about salary is still one of the biggest social taboos, especially in casual settings like dinner parties. Asking “what do you earn?” can create discomfort, even though some see it as a way to spark honest conversations. Experts say the tension comes from deeper cultural norms around success and fear of judgment. The debate shows a small shift, as more people begin to question whether keeping income secret actually helps or just reinforces awkwardness around money.
💪 A growing trend among young men puts extreme focus on appearance, sparking debate. The so-called “looksmaxxing” culture pushes everything from gym routines to more extreme methods to improve looks, driven largely by online influencers. Critics argue it reflects deeper insecurities and unrealistic ideals, warning that confidence and social skills matter far more in real-life relationships.
🦊 A niche online subculture is gaining ground among youth, where participants create animal alter egos and sometimes dress up as them in public. Known as the “furry” community, it offers a sense of belonging and self-expression, especially for those who feel outside mainstream social norms. While often misunderstood and sometimes stigmatized, members say it is less about performance and more about identity and community.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
⚠️ Check your drawers now. Old banknotes and 1,000 DKK bills will become worthless after May 31, with 3.3 billion DKK still unreturned.
🧾 Even babies get tax statements now. The Tax Authority has introduced a new system where children automatically receive annual tax assessments if they have any registered income, including small interest or investments, reflecting how digital data from banks is now fully integrated into the tax system. Around half a million children were included this year.
💻 Digital fraud is rising sharply, with cases increasing by over 140% in recent years. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using trust and manipulation to convince people to transfer large sums of money. Experts warn that anyone can be targeted, regardless of age or background, and that victims often feel too ashamed to speak out. Beyond financial loss, the psychological impact can be severe, making this one of the fastest-growing and most serious forms of crime.
🛒 Food prices may be heading for another increase as global tensions start to ripple through the economy. After fuel prices jumped, supermarkets now expect a second wave where higher energy costs push up the price of everyday goods. Because energy is tied to everything from transport to production, companies often pass most of these costs on to consumers. While inflation is still relatively low for now, experts warn that a sharper rise could be felt in household budgets later this year.
Read more: the app that can slash your food bill cost
✈️ Long-haul flights are becoming significantly more expensive, with prices rising over 20% compared to last year. The increase is driven by a mix of higher fuel costs and reduced flight capacity, especially on routes around Iran. Experts say this is likely just the beginning, with even higher prices expected during the summer travel season.
✈️ If your flight gets cancelled this summer due to fuel shortages, you have passenger rights under EU rules. You can choose between a new flight or a full refund, and in some cases you may also be entitled to compensation if the cancellation happens close to departure. Airlines are also required to assist you during delays or disruptions.
State of the markets
✈️ A small regional airport in Karup (Central Denmark) is reopening after years of ups and downs, now backed by a billionaire investor. The airport, originally built during World War II and later run by local municipalities, has seen everything from record passenger numbers during the low-cost airline boom to near closure in recent years. With flights now restarting, it is trying to secure its role as a fast link between western Denmark and Copenhagen.
💰 Danish companies can now reclaim money from tariffs imposed by the US that were later ruled illegal. A new system from US authorities allows businesses that imported goods to apply for refunds, with processing expected to take 60 to 90 days. The tariffs had generated over 1,000 billion DKK before being struck down by the Supreme Court. For Danish firms operating in the US, this could mean a significant financial boost.
👵 Many older workers are leaving the job market earlier than they want, mainly due to lack of flexibility. New data shows that up to half of retirees would have stayed longer if they could work fewer hours or under more flexible conditions. A proposal now suggests allowing seniors to work up to 15 hours a week without financial penalties, making it easier to stay connected to work. With labor shortages ahead, keeping older workers active is increasingly seen as a missed opportunity.
International Community HQ
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Community Noticeboard
Healthcare in Denmark 📍 Online / International House Copenhagen | 🗓 Tuesday April 28, 17:00–19:00 | Free English-language session on navigating the Danish healthcare system. 🔗 Sign up here
Mastering the Job Interview (City of Aarhus) 📍 Online | 🗓 Tuesday April 28, 10:00–11:30 | Free 🔗 Sign up here
International Café: Crafts & Conversation 📍 Ørestad Library, Copenhagen | 🗓 Wednesday April 29, 17:00–19:00 | Free 🔗 Sign up here
Surviving the AI Jungle 📍 Huset-KBH, Copenhagen | 🗓 Wednesday April 29, 16:00–19:00 | Free event exploring how AI is shaping studies and careers, with speakers from art, media, and consulting plus networking and drinks after. 🔗 Sign up here
➕ Hosting something relevant to internationals in Denmark? Send it to us at noticeboard@lwid.dk
Denmark in Global Headlines
🛡️ “Denmark chooses Europe’s Patriot rival air defense system” – Reuters
⚽ “Midtjylland footballer Alamara Djabi seriously injured after stabbing in Denmark” – The Guardian
🍺 “Archaeologists discover 4,000 year old beer receipt” – The New York Post
🌊 “Why Denmark is choosing ‘strategic retreat’ to save its coastline from rising seas” – Forbes
🚆 “Five people critically injured in Denmark train crash” – Sky News