Uneven Denmark; Voting Exclusion; Cleaner Air
Last Week in Denmark (16.03-23.03) Episode 11 Year 5
TOP 3 News
The countryside feels left behind as rural-urban tensions grow.
Your voting rights are under threat.
The air quality has significantly improved in the last couple years.
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Editor HQ
State of Denmark
For decades, Denmark has prided itself on being a country in balance – a nation where urban progress and rural traditions could coexist. But that balance is slipping. The growing divide between city and countryside is no longer just an economic concern; it’s a political and cultural fault line that is shaking the foundations of society.
The signs are everywhere. Farmers feel ignored and burdened by new climate policies and economic pressures as they watch their European counterparts protest in the streets. In Denmark, the discontent is quieter, but no less real. Rural communities shrink as young people leave for the cities. Property values drop. Schools close. Local businesses struggle to survive. And for many, the frustration is turning into something deeper: a sense that the country is leaving them behind.
The government insists that rural Denmark is not being neglected. Billions have been allocated to infrastructure, education, and job creation in smaller towns. Yet a professor in land development puts it bluntly: Denmark is segregating. The well-educated and well-paid cluster in the cities, while those with fewer resources drift to the periphery. It’s not just about money. It’s about opportunity, influence, and belonging.
Elsewhere in the EU, farmers have learned that blocking highways and surrounding parliaments gets results. The European Commission has already scaled back environmental regulations, scrapped pesticide bans, and promised to rethink agricultural policy. The political calculus is clear: angry farmers are dangerous, and ignoring them can tilt elections. Denmark, despite its reputation for consensus, is not immune.
The real question is whether Denmark wants to remain a country where rural and urban communities see themselves as part of the same society. Or, if it will become a nation of parallel realities, where city dwellers and farmers view each other with growing suspicion. The rural frustration isn’t just about farming. It’s about the feeling of being unheard, unseen and unimportant. And if that sentiment continues to grow, it won’t stay confined to the countryside.
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Danish Politics HQ
New laws
🧠 The government is investing 35 million DKK in 2025-2026 to speed up dementia diagnoses and improve treatment. More than 8,000 people are diagnosed with dementia yearly, but many wait too long, increasing uncertainty for patients and families. The funds will boost hospital capacity and explore alternative diagnostic options, such as screenings at home or with GPs, aiming for earlier intervention to slow disease progression. Denmark expects 134,000 people to be living with dementia by 2035.
📺 Starting March 31, we will gain access to nearly 1 million archived DR broadcasts through the Royal Danish Library. A new agreement ensures that historic TV and radio content from 2006–2024 will be made publicly available, with older material gradually added until the full archive of 4 million programs is online by 2026.
🚫 Denmark is banning PFAS in clothing, shoes, and consumer waterproofing sprays from July 1, 2025, with a one-year transition for businesses before sales and imports are fully restricted. Private imports from online marketplaces like TEMU will also be illegal. The government is pushing for an EU-wide ban and funding alternatives to PFAS. France is following suit with similar restrictions, while experts are mapping out further action against PFAS pollution in water, agriculture, and air.
Law proposals
🗳️ A new proposal from DF (Nationalist Conservative) would restrict local and regional election voting rights to Danish citizens only, removing the right from internationals. Supporters argue it ensures democratic integrity, while critics say it weakens democracy and discourages integration. Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) warn it could exclude voices from local decision-making, while proponents claim non-citizen votes tilt elections left.
Political scene
🇬🇱 Denmark is upgrading its Arctic Command HQ in Nuuk with a major investment to improve security and facilities. The current rented location has long been criticized as inadequate. While experts call for a new HQ, the government is prioritizing immediate improvements to the existing structure. The upgrade is part of a broader military expansion in Greenland.
⚔️ Europe must prepare for war to avoid war, said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to Denmark, emphasizing the need for urgent military buildup. Speaking alongside Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, she praised Denmark’s decision to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, calling it true leadership. Von der Leyen stressed that European countries must buy more European-made defense equipment.
🛡️ Mette Frederiksen wants Europe to be fully self-reliant in defense within 3-5 years, urging South European countries like Spain and Italy to increase military spending. She argues that Europe can no longer rely on past security structures and must act urgently. While Denmark supports large-scale defense investments, leaders like Spain’s Pedro Sánchez resist using the term “military buildup,” and suggest broader security spending, including climate threats.
🛒 Finland is launching 300 emergency grocery stores that will stay open even during total power outages, ensuring food and fuel access nationwide. The country, already 80% self-sufficient for food, takes crisis preparedness seriously due to its long border with Russia and its historical experience with war and economic instability. Denmark is now looking to learn from Finland’s approach.
🇩🇰 The government’s plan to cut 3 billion DKK from the job centers faces backlash from local mayors. Critics argue that reducing support for vulnerable jobseekers, such as young people with social anxiety, will leave many behind. The reform aims to streamline the system, but opposition parties and municipalities warn that it prioritizes savings over effective employment support.
📊 Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) are seeing a voter comeback. Now polling at 23.8%, they've seen their best result since the Great Prayer Day controversy. Mette Frederiksen is benefiting from global uncertainty, while Venstre (Liberals) stagnates at 9%, and Moderaterne (Social Liberals) continue to lose ground at 3.9%. With 67 seats, the government still struggles in the polls. Moderaterne remain weakened by internal turmoil, while Venstre faces a voter exodus. Meanwhile, Lars Boje Mathiesen’s Borgernes Parti (Nationalists who believe in conspiracy theories) sits just below the 2% threshold to gain parliamentary seats, causing potential disruption for the right-wing bloc.
🇩🇰 Liberal Alliance (Liberal Conservative) has presented a financial plan to fund Denmark’s defense buildup without loans or new taxes, challenging the government’s delay in outlining a budget. Their proposal includes cuts to public spending, such as halving the unemployment benefit period and reducing support for job seekers, freeing up 8.6 billion DKK.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
💰 Tax season is here, and while most just check if they’re getting a refund, there’s more to it than that. The tax ministry urges people to review deductions carefully. Popular ones include the transport deduction for commuting over 24 km, the service deduction for home help like cleaning or gardening, the interest deduction for loan payments, and pension contributions (up to 63,100 DKK). Work-related travel costs, charitable donations, investment losses, and property taxes should also be checked for accuracy. If you’re owed money, expect payouts from April 25. Last year, we got back around 25 billion DKK.
🔒 Tax season is prime time for scams. Cybercriminals take advantage of the rush to check tax returns by sending fake emails and SMS messages that mimic Skat, often using AI to make them look convincing. These scams trick people into entering bank details, which can later be used in fraud attempts. Reminder: Skat never sends emails or texts with links. If you receive one, do not click. Instead, log in directly via skat.dk.
💰 Regular “economy dates” can help couples stay on the same financial page, avoid surprises, and reach their goals faster. Setting aside time every two months to review spending, savings, and long-term plans like pensions or home buying can prevent misunderstandings. Keeping money conversations open makes financial planning feel less like a chore and more like teamwork.
🛒 A local grocery store in Sandved was saved by its residents after the owner was forced to close due to financial and health reasons. A citizen-led effort sold 333 ownership shares at 1,500 DKK each, raising enough funds to keep the store running. A new shopkeeper has been found, and the community-backed store will reopen on March 22, ensuring a vital service remains in town.
👶 The option to receive financial support for home parenting has become unexpectedly popular, putting pressure on municipal budgets. Some municipalities are now reducing or scrapping the scheme, as more parents opt to keep their children at home instead of daycare. While some see this as a positive family choice, others worry about rising costs without corresponding savings in childcare institutions.
🔬 Researchers and innovators from Denmark have secured strong results in Horizon Europe, participating in nearly 1,600 international research and innovation projects since 2021. Denmark has received 1.08 billion euros in EU funding, with a major focus on health, climate, digitalization, and sustainability. Collaboration is strongest with Germany, followed by Spain and Italy. Most funding supports global challenges and industrial competitiveness.
State of the markets
⚡Denmark just produced the world’s first commercial bottle of e-methanol, made with wind and solar power, in Kassø near Aabenraa. It’s a big green step for heavy transport like ships and planes, though still too pricey for your car. Think of it as the wind turbine’s baby cousin, with big dreams.
🛠️ Defense and aerospace industries are booming, with over 1,000 new jobs created in companies producing everything from satellite tech in Aalborg to F-35 components in Grenå. Denmark's defense sector is growing fast, but experts say long-term political direction is needed to ensure sustainable expansion and international competitiveness.
🇺🇸 Boycott movement against U.S. products gains traction. Frustrations over Trump's rhetoric on Greenland, trade tariffs, and geopolitical tensions have sparked a Danish consumer protest, with more than 85,000 joining a Facebook group to boycott American goods. Experts say this kind of consumer backlash can have lasting effects, shifting demand toward European alternatives.
📉 Trade war tensions — should you worry? The U.S. is raising tariffs left and right, and while Denmark has strong trade ties with the U.S., only a small part of exports will actually be hit. Nationalbanken (National Bank) says most companies from Denmark producing for the American market already have factories in the U.S., so the impact will be limited. Still, uncertainty is creeping in, making it harder for businesses to plan.
🏡 Your next home is about to get more expensive. Nationalbanken (National Bank) expects housing prices to rise 3.4% this year and another 3.2% in both 2026 and 2027, adding up to a total increase of just over 10%. Low inflation, rising wages, and a solid job market are fueling the trend. Meanwhile, consumer confidence is dropping, but that’s not slowing down the market. Good news if you own; less so if you’re trying to buy.
🛒Many “healthy” foods in supermarkets contain more sugar than Coca-Cola, yet they still advertise added vitamins and fiber. Innocent smoothies, Actimel yogurts, and Nesquik cereals use clever marketing, but experts warn these ultra-processed foods can be harmful. The consumer organization Forbrugerrådet Tænk wants new EU rules to prevent misleading health claims, but despite a 2009 promise, strong lobbying has blocked changes. Until stricter rules arrive, checking ingredient lists is the only way to avoid sugar-heavy surprises.
Entrepreneurship
🌱 From September 27 next year, companies in Denmark will no longer be allowed to call themselves “environmentally friendly” without solid proof. The government is introducing a new law to stop misleading green marketing, ensuring that sustainability claims are backed by real action. Businesses must also provide a clear plan if they claim to be climate-neutral by 2050. This initiative, based on an EU directive, aims to protect both consumers and genuinely green businesses from deceptive practices.
Danish Daily Life HQ
😊 According to the latest UN World Happiness Report, Denmark is the world’s second-happiest country, just behind Finland. The secret? Trust, safety, and freedom from daily worries. All Nordic countries made the top 10, and experts say it’s not about wealth – it’s about feeling calm, connected, and cared for.
🌍 Denmark’s air quality is improving, with lower emissions of ammonia from agriculture, reduced NOx from transport, and less particulate pollution. This progress has cut premature deaths from air pollution by 58% since 1990, now down to 3,280 cases in 2023. The shift to electric cars and phasing out old wood stoves have helped, but 77% of pollution still comes from abroad, making EU-wide action crucial. Denmark has already met its 2030 targets for sulfur, ammonia, and other pollutants.
🎬 The prestigious Bodil Awards took place this weekend, with top honors going to “Vejen Hjem” for Best Film and Best Screenplay. In an historic move, the awards scrapped gendered acting categories, now simply awarding Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Lars von Trier received an Honorary Bodil for his career, while “Poor Things” won Best International Film.
✈️ Billund Airport is working to fill the gap left by Ryanair’s sudden exit, which saw the loss of 24 routes. So far, five new routes have been secured, with more expected in the coming weeks. Despite the challenge, the airport anticipates a 20-25% drop in passenger traffic for 2025 — less than initially feared — as other airlines step in to cover key destinations.
🏡 Good neighbors boost happiness, according to a new survey. In small towns, simple gestures like a Friday bar, plant-watering while on holiday, or just a quick hello can make a big difference in well-being. Nordfyns ranks among the happiest municipalities, with locals crediting strong community ties and access to nature for their quality of life.
🏡 A three-generation family in Knebel has found joy in living together, and they’re not alone. A new Realdania study ranked Knebel as the place with Denmark’s highest life quality, thanks to strong community bonds, friendly hellos, and a bit of country DIY spirit.
☀️ Time to bring out the sunscreen! Health authorities now recommend using a minimum of SPF 30, as most people don’t apply enough for full protection. Proper use can prevent up to 90% of melanoma cases, a major concern in a country with one of the highest skin cancer rates. Remember: a full handful for your whole body and reapply regularly!
🖋️ New research suggests a possible link between tattoos and an increased risk of skin and lymphatic cancer. A study involving 2,700 twins found a higher occurrence of lymphatic cancer in individuals with tattoos larger than a palm. While causality isn’t confirmed, researchers stress the need for more studies to quantify the potential risks.
🌦️ More precise weather forecasts are on the horizon! Using one of the world's most powerful supercomputers, DMI has trained an AI weather model that generates forecasts in just two minutes, compared to the current two to three hours. This could revolutionize local weather predictions and provide better planning for extreme weather events.
🐶 Spring flowers are beautiful but can be dangerous for dogs. Many plants, including daffodils, hyacinths, and ivy, are toxic if eaten. Even onions and garlic can harm their red blood cells. Puppies are especially at risk, so keep an eye on them in the garden. If your dog shows signs of poisoning, contact a vet immediately.
⚠️ Municipalities are left guessing when it comes to emergency preparedness, with no national guidelines on how to secure care homes and institutions in case of crisis. While some stockpile essentials, others do nothing, leading to major differences across the country. Mayors and experts are calling for a national strategy, but the government says a one-size-fits-all model isn’t the answer.
💰 A lucky find at a recycling shop on Orø turned into a jackpot for a local nonprofit. Volunteers discovered 622,000 DKK hidden among donated items, and after a police investigation, they get to keep it. The money will help the group continue its work reducing waste, running repair cafés, and upcycling materials.
🌍 A hidden gem has made it onto TIME Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 best places to visit in 2025. Tiny Seaside Resorts on Kegnæs is praised for its stunning waterfront cabins and access to exceptional cycling and hiking routes. The region is highlighted for its peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and some of Northern Europe’s finest beaches.
International Community HQ
New columns
This week, John Dixon’s travel column Jeg Tog to Tog makes a stop in Odense, highlighting an under-appreciated attraction in Hans Christian Andersen’s famous birthplace, Denmark’s jernbanemuseum, or railway museum!
Josephine Basthof, our brand new native Dane columnist, takes a deep dive into the history and true meaning of janteloven, sometimes dubbed the “law of social conformity” in Denmark. She explores how it’s impacted her life both positively and negatively.
Denmark is often hailed as the pioneer of digital culture. Laura Matheson’s latest Tur-Retur column explores how the country has become even more “dazzlingly digital” in the six years since she last lived here.
Florin Lungu, leadership consultant and executive coach, takes a regular look at Danish work culture and what you need to know to succeed as a leader here. This week he explores how to lead decision-making in a consensus-driven culture.
New reporting
Volunteering is a core part of Danish society. Sudaay Tat Haznedar meets some LWID readers to find out how volunteering helped them to integrate as internationals in Denmark.
Mention moving to Denmark and people immediately think of Copenhagen, but there are many thriving international communities and support outside of the capital city. Pratik Hariharan talks to International Community Aarhus about the wide range of free support they offer internationals moving to the city.
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International media about Denmark
Denmark leading way in “Boycott America” movement in Europe: “Danish Viking blood is boiling” (New York Post)
Finland, Denmark Issue Travel Warnings For US (Newsweek)
I am sorry but you're referring to DF as "Nationalist Conservative". This is a far-right party and it should be addressed as such, as it goes way farther than conservative. Also, would be interesting to clarify where does Venstre stands in polls - first it is stated "Venstre (Liberals) stagnates at 9%" and soon after "..., while Venstre faces a voter exodus." - which one is it? Keep up the good job :-)