Who Gets to Be Danish? And Who Gets to Trip?
Last Week in Denmark (07.09-14.09) Episode 31 Year 5
TOP 3 News
📝 Screening for new citizens – expert group to explore testing applicants for anti-democratic views.
🛒 Emergency shops – grocery stores to be equipped with backup power for future crises.
🍄 Magic mushrooms in psychiatry – psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA for mental health treatment.
Illustration made by Diana Bălașa
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Editor HQ
Inside Last Week in Denmark Universe
September is the month of “Welcome September,” the national campaign of events to welcome internationals across the country. We love this initiative, and with so many new people joining our community, we decided to spice things up.
Everyone who signs up between September 13 (Aalborg International Fair) and September 28 (after the Aarhus and Odense fairs) will be entered into our 2,500 DKK lottery. To make it even more fun, we’re also running a short recruitment drive. From today until September 28, the top three referrers will win cash prizes between 1,000 and 4,500 DKK. Just remember to share your personal referral link (you’ll find it in the button below) so your invites are counted.
And if you meet us at the international fairs, you can claim LWID merchandise on the spot. This week, we’ll be at International Citizen Days in Copenhagen and International Citizen Day in Herning. Don’t miss the Copenhagen afterparty, Guardian of Europe: Copenhagen, where you can win 2,500 DKK, but more importantly, enjoy great company, food, and drinks on us. Sign up here.
Since September seems to be the month of giving, our partner AMIS (A More Inclusive Society) is also running two opportunities. To reach the 300 members needed to continue and secure their public funding, they are offering a lottery with five cash prizes (500–3,500 DKK) and a recruitment competition with four prizes (1,000–5,000 DKK). Membership is just 150 DKK per year (about the price of a couple beers), with no obligations, but plenty of chances to support and get involved.
Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!
Image of the week
🦅 Two black-winged kites, normally at home in Southern Europe and North Africa, have surprised everyone by nesting near Holstebro in West Jutland. Hundreds of birdwatchers have flocked to see the rare visitors, who have even been spotted mating and building a nest.
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🐦 Many grocery stores will soon be equipped with backup power to ensure that they can operate for at least two days without electricity. As the checkout line snakes to the back of the store during a power outage, the 15-year-old in charge of daily operations at Netto will be able to continuously scroll TikTok with a fully charged phone. (Ryan)
Danish Politics HQ
New laws
🪖 Minister with superpowers. Parliament has passed a law giving Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen extraordinary powers to bypass rules and speed up military construction. The government says it is needed to renovate old barracks and expand capacity quickly due to Russia’s threat, but critics warn it undermines environmental standards and citizens’ rights. The law includes a sunset clause and will expire in 2028, but for now the minister can overrule municipalities and planning rules.
👉 Read more: Kalpita Bhosale takes a closer look at how the country is stepping up crisis preparedness.
Law proposals
⚖️ Denmark explores assisted dying. The government has set up a cross-ministerial working group to map out possible models for legalizing euthanasia. The group will study ethical, medical, legal, and economic aspects, drawing on input from the Ethical Council, past reports, and international experience. No political decision has been made yet, but the work will run for two years and provide a basis for future debate on one of society’s most sensitive questions.
Political scene
🤝 United in theory, divided in practice. The four blue (right-wing) opposition parties tried to show unity at a weekend convention, but a remark from Konservative (Conservatives) leader Mona Juul hinted otherwise. While standing with Inger Støjberg, Alex Vanopslagh, and Morten Messerschmidt, she stressed she won’t tie herself down, keeping the door open to cooperate with Venstre (Liberals) instead. Analysts say her heart lies more with Venstre than with the rest of the bloc, raising doubts about future cohesion.
🍄 Magic mushrooms in psychiatry? Alternativet (Greens) has proposed that substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA should be available in the health system to treat severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, and OCD. The party argues traditional treatments fail too many patients and points to international studies showing promise. Critics warn of serious risks, but researchers say controlled therapy can be safe. The government hasn’t taken a stance, though Moderaterne (Social Liberals) signal openness if doctors and scientists push the case.
🥦 Cheaper greens beat cheap treats. A new survey shows most people would rather see lower prices on fruit and vegetables than on coffee and chocolate, even though the government just cut taxes on sweets and caffeine. Economists warn that changing VAT on produce could take years and cost billions, while grocers say trials show sales jump when prices drop. For now, ministers argue it’s easier to scrap smaller levies and help families faster, even if it means candy over carrots.
🌍 EU’s big shock on Israel. In her State of the Union speech, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed suspending the EU’s trade deal with Israel, sanctioning ministers and violent settlers, and freezing bilateral support. The move split the European Parliament, with some cheering and others booing. Supporters call it overdue; critics call it a betrayal. Any suspension needs backing from a majority of EU countries, so the proposal faces a tough road ahead.
💡What’s a “nærhospital” (local hospital)? With the new health reform, more treatment should happen close to where people live. That’s why Middelfart just opened Denmark’s first nærhospital. Instead of travelling to big regional hospitals, patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney problems can now get tests and care locally. The idea is to ease pressure on main hospitals and cut travel time. From 2027, billions are set aside to expand this model nationwide.
Danish Economics HQ
Our money
🥕 Food VAT debate heats up. The government will modernize outdated tax IT systems so that, in the future, Denmark could technically lower VAT on food. But leaders stress this doesn’t mean cheaper groceries anytime soon. While Sweden already halved its food VAT, Denmark’s food prices remain 19% above the EU average. Labor unions and critics want immediate relief for families, but ministers argue a cut would cost billions and is still only a political “maybe.”
💰 A million people are pension millionaires. New figures show more than one million people in Denmark now have over a million DKK saved for retirement, double the number from ten years ago. Contributions hit record highs this year despite market turbulence. But men still outpace women due to higher wages, less part-time work, and greater risk-taking in investments.
State of the markets
🛒 Emergency shops coming soon. The government wants grocery stores to act as “preparedness shops,” able to stay open with backup power during crises like blackouts or storms. Inspired by Finland, chains such as Salling Group, Coop, and Spar plan to equip stores with generators to keep essentials available. Experts warn rationing and panic buying could be challenges, but officials believe open shops will reduce fear. The idea is simple: no matter what happens, you can still buy food and water. See the map of the first 50 emergency shops.
👉 Read more: Our reporter Sandani Gunawardane speaks to the Minister for Emergency Preparedness to find out what you need to know.
💊 Novo Nordisk cuts 9,000 jobs. After years of rapid hiring, the pharma giant is laying off 9,000 employees worldwide, including 5,000 in Denmark. Experts say the company expanded too fast during its boom years and is now scaling back to staffing levels from just a year ago. The move follows a falling share price and slowing growth. Analysts warn it’s uncertain if this will be the last round of cuts, as Novo seeks to steady itself under a new CEO.
🏖️ Autumn boom for holiday homes. Rentals of summer houses have hit record levels this fall, especially in North Jutland, where tourists are extending the season well beyond summer. But many visitors are met with closed shops and restaurants. Tourism groups say there’s huge untapped potential if more places stayed open, though employers note the real problem is finding staff once students return to school. The challenge is keeping coastal towns lively year-round.
👉 Read more: What is it with Danes and their summer houses? Sigga Hansen has the answers.
💡Why village shops matter. In rural Denmark, many local shops survive because villagers buy shares to keep them alive. They’re more than grocery stores; they’re social hubs and proof the community still has a future. But competition and staff shortages mean closures are common. That’s why 23-year-old Celina Kjeldahl reopening the shop in Staby is remarkable: it shows how collective effort keeps rural Denmark ticking.
Entrepreneurship
We are looking for specialists in funding, business strategy, networking, legal & export, and sales & marketing to support international entrepreneurs. This autumn we are organizing mentorship events in Aalborg, Aarhus, Odense, and Copenhagen, and we would love to partner with experts willing to share their knowledge and promote themselves. If this sounds like you, get in touch with Bernardo at info@amis.dk
Daily Life in Denmark HQ
❤️ Record support for organ donation. Since new rules took effect in June, more than 300,000 people have registered their stance on organ donation in just three months. Everyone over 18 is now automatically listed as a potential donor but must confirm their choice in the official register. In total, 1.85 million people have taken a position, with most agreeing to donate. Officials hope the surge will help the more than 400 patients currently waiting for life-saving transplants.
🍄 Easy on the mushrooms. The Food Authority warns that champignons contain natural toxins called phenylhydrazines, which in animal studies have been linked to cancer. The advice is to limit intake to about two kilos a year (roughly five supermarket packs) and always cook them, especially for children. Don’t reuse cooking water or fat, and mix with other types of mushrooms. Experts stress that champignons should be seen as a flavor boost, not a vegetable to eat weekly.
🌿 Climate values in baby names. More parents are choosing names like Storm, Sol (sun), and Lilje (Lily) to reflect nature and climate awareness, according to new research from the University of Copenhagen. The shift away from traditional names such as Jens and Anne shows how naming has become a way to express identity, values, and even hope. Thousands of adults also change their names each year, with weather, plant, and animal themes increasingly popular as symbols of belonging and meaning.
🌲 Sleeping under the stars is booming. More people than ever are spending the night in shelters across the country, with a record 51,633 guests this summer, according to Naturstyrelsen. The trend began during the pandemic and shows no sign of slowing, especially among young adults and families looking for a cheap, simple way to escape daily stress. Many shelters can’t even be booked, meaning the real number is even higher.
🧫 Tiny towns in a petri dish. Aalborg University has discovered over 15,000 new microorganisms and given more than 1,000 of them names inspired by local places like Hadersleviella and Rungstediana. The Microflora Danica project is creating a microbial map of the country, showing life in soil, coasts, and cities. Researchers hope the findings will aid green innovation and biodiversity studies while also cementing Denmark’s place in global microbiology.
🚀 Rocket hobby takes off in Sønderborg. A student club from SDU successfully launched their homemade rocket two kilometers into the sky from Rømø this summer. The project took nearly two years, and the team now aims for an international competition in Portugal in 2026. Beyond the thrill, the club hopes to spark a wider interest in rocket building as a hobby, showing it’s not just “rocket science” for engineers but something anyone curious can try.
💡Why are eggs cold in supermarkets? If you’ve shopped abroad, you may have noticed eggs sitting on shelves instead of in fridges. In Denmark, a special rule requires eggs to be kept cold in stores. The law dates back to the 1990s when salmonella infections were common, and cooling was seen as an easy fix. Today, salmonella is almost gone from locally produced eggs, but the rule remains. Critics call it outdated, while food authorities still recommend you store eggs in the fridge at home.
International Community HQ
📝 Screening for new citizens? The government has set up an expert group to explore whether applicants for Danish citizenship could be screened for anti-democratic views. Ministers say citizenship is a “trust” that should go only to those embracing democratic values, but critics fear vague criteria and technical hurdles. The group includes legal, historical, and data experts and will report back within 10 months on whether such a system is possible and how it might work.
👉 Read more: All you need to know about applying for Danish citizenship
🏘️ Protests over asylum center closure. Locals and volunteers in Jelling are fighting to keep their asylum center open after authorities decided to shut it down in February to cut costs. The Red Cross, which runs the center, calls the move “torskedum,” (really stupid – literally, “stupid as a cod”) noting it is one of the country’s best-functioning centers with strong ties to the community. Families fear losing their home and networks, while officials insist the closure is needed to reduce overall expenses.
👉 Read more: Ali Lewis visits LGBT Asylum, the volunteer organisation fighting for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees in Denmark.
✈️ Special law for Afghans ends. From November 30, 2025, evacuated Afghans who assisted Danish authorities will no longer be able to extend their temporary residence permits under the special law.
🗣️ Denmark faces a human rights exam. In 2026, Denmark will be reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council on how well it protects rights like free speech, education, health, and equality. Ahead of this, the Danish Institute for Human Rights is gathering perspectives from people across the country. If you are over 18 and live in Denmark, you can share your experiences through a short survey (about three minutes). Your voice will help shape Denmark’s official report to the UN. The deadline is September 21 at 23:59.
New reporting
📚 Over the coming months, we will be meeting the internationals seeking your vote in November’s regional and local elections. This week, Sebastian Florian talks to Nico Blier Silvestri of Moderaterne, who’s running as a local candidate for Copenhagen Municipality. ✍️ Sebastian Florian 👉 Read the full story
💁 If you’re an international standing for election or know someone who is, get in touch at reporter@lwid.dk. We’d love to tell your story!
Also this week:
🚙 Sudaay Tat Haznedar shows you how to navigate buying a car here.
👗 Kalpita Bhosale explores whether Denmark deserves its reputation as a leader in sustainable fashion.
⚽ And our brand new sports reporter Charlie Robbens on why all eyes are on Danish football clubs this season as two major teams aim for glory in Europe! We’re excited to have Charlie on board to bring you regular sports updates!
New columns
📩 Meet the new column team here. You can find many of our authors' columns under Untold Stories of Denmark, spotlighting internationals’ lived experiences beyond the usual news cycle through diverse voices.
🐶 Laura Matheson reflects on how Denmark’s wild wind shifts from a daily challenge to a cherished part of feeling at home. Read here.
🎒 An IB administrator, Stephanie Lund, reveals key tips for parents to secure a spot in the competitive, free IB programs of Denmark. Check them out here.
🚜 Read Leonidas’ debut column on how Denmark is pioneering the future of farming to produce more food with fewer resources.
Community Noticeboard
🏠 Understanding the Danish Housing Market – Online
Get a clear overview of renting and buying a home in Denmark, from finding a place to knowing your rights as a tenant. 📅 Saturday, September 20 – 10:05–10:50 – Free (registration required) – [Sign up here] 📍 Online
🌍 International Citizen Day 2025 – Copenhagen
A welcome fair for internationals with guidance on jobs, housing, and social life – your gateway to thriving in Denmark. 📅 Friday, September 19 – 12:00–16:00 – Free (registration required) (it is also on Saturday, September 20 from morning)– [Sign up here] 📍 Øksnehallen, Halmtorvet 11, 1700 Copenhagen
📊 Economics for Entrepreneurs – Online
Learn the basics of business economics, including bookkeeping, VAT, taxes, and budgeting to grow your company. 📅 Four online workshops starting Thursday, September 25 – 17:00–20:00 – Free (registration required, deadline September 24) – [Sign up here] 📍 Online
🤝 Relocation and Job Fair – Aabenraa
Meet four municipalities and 80+ companies offering jobs, housing, schools, and relocation support in South Denmark. 📅 Friday, September 19 – 12:00–15:00 – Free (registration required) – [Sign up here] 📍 Arena Aabenraa, Hjelmallé 3, 6200 Aabenraa
💬 Nabo Workshop: How to Feel Welcome – Online
Counsellor Henriette Johnsen shares strategies for navigating culture, overcoming challenges, and feeling at home in Denmark. 📅 Tuesday, September 16 – 19:30–20:30 – Free (registration required) – [Sign up here] 📍 Online
🗣️ Meet your Mayor – Aalborg
Join a fireside chat and Q&A with Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen, hear his vision for Aalborg, and ask your questions ahead of the November local elections. 📅 Sunday, September 28 – 15:00–16:30 – Free (RSVP required) – Sign up here📍 Folkestuen, Aalborg Library, Rendsburggade 2, 9000 Aalborg
➕ Hosting something relevant to internationals in Denmark? Send it to us at noticeboard@lwid.dk
Denmark in Global Headlines
🪖 “Denmark to launch military exercise in Greenland with European allies” – Anadolu Agency
🤖 “Copenhagen’s Teton.ai raises €17 million to make healthcare affordable and accessible” – EU Startups
📈 “Strong Danish economy can ride out Novo Nordisk downturn, says finance minister” – Reuters
🛡️ “Denmark to buy $9 billion air defence systems as tensions with Russia grow” – Reuters
🏥 “What the NHS in the UK can learn from Denmark’s boost in cancer survival rates” – BBC