Our money
💰 Denmark just posted a whopping 133.2 billion DKK budget surplus for 2024, its best performance since 2007. That’s 4.5% of GDP and far beyond the government’s own forecast. Thanks to rising wages, low unemployment, and a strong stock market, personal and corporate tax revenues soared. But with increasing numbers of pensioners and growing social costs, experts warn these golden years won’t last forever.
🏗️ We are investing 170 million DKK in 2025 to improve conditions at military bases across the country. The money will go to local repairs, facility upgrades, and better living conditions for soldiers. An additional 120 million DKK is set aside for portable pavilion units, which can temporarily house personnel during renovations or missions abroad. It’s all part of a broader 2 billion DKK defense boost that also covers cybersecurity, equipment upgrades, and core military tasks. The goal? Better buildings, stronger defense, and happier soldiers.
🪖 After Trump signaled the U.S. might not defend NATO allies, Europe went into defense overdrive. The EU just earmarked 6,000 billion DKK for military upgrades, and Germany alone is investing 3,000 billion DKK. Countries like France, Germany, and the Nordics have strong defense industries. France is the world’s number two arms exporter, and Sweden’s Saab makes jets and submarines, but Europe still lacks firepower and manpower.
State of the markets
🥤 Jolly Cola is back, and it’s picking a fight with America. After Trump’s televised clash with Ukraine’s president, the classic Danish soda brand launched its biggest campaign in years with buses across Denmark declaring, “0% USA, 100% Danish.” It’s a nod to Jolly’s original mission from 1959 to resist Coca-Cola’s American invasion. While Jolly’s market share is just 1%, sales recently jumped 50%. The brewery says it’s not exploiting politics but responding to rising demand for local alternatives. Meanwhile, Harboe and Thisted haven’t joined the cola-culture war just yet.
⚓ Odense Havn wants to bring warship building back to Denmark and says it’s ready to deliver the first vessels by 2029. The offer comes as Denmark ramps up defense efforts with new drones, ammunition, and naval plans. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen promises a fleet strategy soon but hasn’t committed yet to a timeline. Odense argues it has the space, tech, and know-how to build a high-tech shipyard like no other in Denmark.
🛠️ Denmark’s massive defense upgrade is opening new doors for small businesses. With 250 billion DKK on the table for weapons, gear, and barracks renovations, companies that never worked with the military before now see big opportunities. From electricians to suppliers of basic equipment, SMEs across the country are gearing up to join the defense supply chain.
🏗️ Local firms are flooding workshops hosted by regional business hubs to learn how to win military contracts. Events are selling out nationwide, as companies see both profit and purpose in supporting national defense.
