New laws
Starting January 2025, the driver’s license exam will only be available in five languages. Interpreters are permitted solely for German, Faroese, and Greenlandic — recognized minority languages. Apart from these, the exam can be taken in Danish or English.
The craftsman’s tax deduction is making a comeback! You can now deduct up to 8,600 DKK for green renovations such as insulation, energy upgrades, or new windows. Additionally, the service deduction has been increased to 17,500 DKK and expanded to cover not just cleaning and childcare but also gardening and other outdoor home services. Good time to start a gardening side business!!!
Starting January, a new 37-hour work obligation will apply to people on kontanthjaelp (social benefits) who don’t meet Denmark’s residence and employment requirements. This includes those who haven’t lived in Denmark (or European Union) for nine out of the last ten years or worked full-time for at least two and a half years during that period. Aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, the program covers 22,000 individuals, requiring them to engage in activities like internships, wage-subsidy jobs, society-useful activities, or Danish lessons.
As of January 1, the CO₂ tax on trucks is in effect. Trucks weighing 12 tons or more are now taxed per kilometer, with vehicles over 3.5 tons set to follow in 2027. The tax, averaging 1.3 DKK per kilometer is calculated based on the truck’s weight, CO₂ emissions, and where it operates.
The green tax reform introduces the long-awaited CO₂ tax on industry, effective from January. Companies outside the EU’s emissions trading system will pay 750 DKK per ton of CO₂, while those within the system face a reduced rate of 375 DKK per ton. Businesses classified as “competition-exposed,” including those with mineralological processes, are granted an even lower rate of 125 DKK per ton.
Starting January 1st, flying foreign national flags on flagpoles in Denmark was made illegal, following an amendment to the Flag Act. Exceptions include flags from European Union, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. The Ministry of Justice may permit certain flags, like Ukraine’s, in special situations.
Law proposals
The Danish Medical Association (Lægeforeningen) has proposed ten measures to curb smoking and nicotine use, including doubling the price of cigarettes to 120 DKK per pack. They highlight the severe risks associated with nicotine, such as permanent brain damage, reduced concentration, and a heightened risk of mental illness.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has strongly urged municipalities to stop using Google Translate in child-related cases, calling it deeply concerning and unfit for influencing life-altering decisions for families. While the tool currently exists in a legal grey area and isn’t explicitly prohibited, changes to address this issue are anticipated soon.
Denmark has expressed support for the Faroe Islands’ bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) as an independent nation. Mette Frederiksen and the Faroese leader have jointly submitted a letter to the Danish Supreme Court, requesting the activation of Article 6 to explore the possibilities.
Political scene
Latest on the Greenland affair: On Friday afternoon (January 10), Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte B. Egede held a joint press conference addressing the week’s pressing issue. Egede emphasized that the Greenlandic people do not wish to be Danish or American but Greenlandic. There is a desire from Greenland for more foreign policy autonomy, like being able to negotiate independently without the presence of a Danish ambassador in the room.
Elon Musk vs. Democracy: The world’s richest man wants to disrupt politics by promoting far-right, anti-European parties in Europe. He is already heavily involved in the German and British parliamentary elections, and via his personal social media, he is swinging popular opinion in their direction. Now, Danish politicians are afraid he will do the same for Denmark, which could be disastrous for a country that has democracy in its bones.
Main points from the Prime Minister’s New Year speech:
- Mette Frederiksen warned of growing threats from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. She calls the four “the Dark Axis.” She stressed the need for more defense spending and conscription to protect Europe from dangers like cyberattacks and sabotage.
- She announced plans for significant investments in energy, technology, and defense, emphasizing the need for public and private support. Frederiksen urged a shift from Europe’s regulatory focus toward innovation, stating, “We must rethink the European economy.”
- She proposed that gang members or drug criminals convicted of serious crimes should lose their right to early retirement or disability pensions.
