New laws
⏳ Denmark is raising the retirement age to 70 for everyone born after 1971, despite growing criticism that the system is unfair to those with physically demanding jobs. The law, which adjusts retirement based on life expectancy, is moving forward even as unions and opposition parties push for changes. Critics argue that many workers will struggle to stay in the workforce that long, and current early retirement options aren’t enough. Supporters say the move is necessary to sustain public finances. The government is standing by the change for now but has signaled that future reforms could be on the table.
🐶 New breeding rules to protect dogs’ health. From July 2025, stricter criteria will regulate dog breeding in Denmark, aiming to prevent genetic diseases and harmful physical traits. Part of Denmark’s first animal welfare agreement, the rules require health screenings before breeding, ensuring dogs are not bred into a life of suffering.
Law proposals
📵 Denmark moves to ban phones in schools. The government plans to ban mobile phones and personal tablets in schools and after-school programs, following a key recommendation from the Trivselskommission. A recent study found that more than a third of students in 6th and 8th grade feel disrupted by digital devices, even though most schools already have phone-limiting policies. School leaders aren’t thrilled, saying decisions should be made locally, not by law. The commission also recommends that kids shouldn’t have their own smartphone or tablet before age 13.
✈️ Longer delays, less compensation. Passengers may soon have to wait five hours instead of three before they can claim compensation for delayed flights. The EU proposal, backed by the Danish government and a majority in parliament, aims to ease financial pressure on airlines and encourage them to operate delayed flights rather than canceling them. Critics argue it weakens passenger rights and could lead to longer waiting times. The proposal will be negotiated further in Brussels, where opinions are divided on whether the focus should be on passenger rights or airline costs.
🐾 Harsher penalties for animal cruelty on the way. The government’s new report recommends doubling prison sentences for severe animal welfare violations, increasing fines, and making it easier to ban offenders from owning animals. The proposals, part of Denmark’s first animal welfare agreement, will now be discussed by Parliament’s working group.
Political scene
📢 More Ukrainian refugees want to stay in Denmark when the war ends, and employers want to keep them. Businesses say they’ve become a vital part of the workforce, but the government insists they must return home when it’s safe. The argument? Ukraine needs them for reconstruction. Business leaders are pushing for rule changes that would make it easier for them to stay, but officials say they can apply for regular work permits like everyone else. Companies warn that losing these workers would be a major setback, and some politicians are open to loosening the rules.
🇩🇰💰 Denmark is sending another 405 million DKK to Ukraine for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, bringing total Danish humanitarian support past 1 billion DKK. As the war enters its third year, nearly 13 million Ukrainians still need urgent assistance, with destroyed homes, failing infrastructure, and limited access to water, electricity, and healthcare. Russia’s attacks have wiped out 75% of Ukraine’s power production.
🇩🇰🇳🇴 Denmark and Norway strengthen defense ties. The two countries plan closer military cooperation, including joint training, defense procurement, and surveillance of key areas like the North Sea, the Baltic, and the Arctic. The initiative aims to boost Nordic defense capabilities and speed up military production. Leaders emphasize that small nations can achieve more together, particularly in maintaining F-35 jets and strengthening their defense industries. Details of the agreement will be presented later this spring.
🇬🇱 Greenland election debate focuses on childcare crisis. While independence dominates international coverage, local voters are more concerned about daily life. In a recent debate, the biggest issue was the severe shortage of trained preschool teachers, leaving one staff member to manage 20 children in some cases. Voters demanded better wages and working conditions to attract more professionals.
🇩🇪 Germany moves right as conservatives and AfD gain. The election saw a strong conservative win and a historic result for the far-right AfD, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD (Social Democrats) had its worst outcome since WWII. Coalition talks have begun, but with economic troubles, military demands, and European pressure, Germany must act quickly to restore stability. Most likely, we will see a government coalition between conservatives and the SPD.
🇩🇰 Adopted Danes to be exempt from workfare law. After public outrage and political pressure, Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen confirms that adoptees will not be classified as immigrants under the new workfare system. While she has acknowledged the mistake, she stopped short of an apology, insisting she’s focused on fixing the issue. Critics argue the oversight never should have happened, with opposition parties calling for a full review of the law.
🇩🇰 #ErJegStadigDansk (“Am I still Danish”) sparks national debate. The controversial workfare policy ignited a wave of frustration among adoptees who felt their Danish identity was being questioned. Social media exploded with personal stories, while legal experts warned the rule could violate anti-discrimination laws. Politicians scrambled to contain the damage, with some government allies even admitting the law needs urgent revision. Adoption advocates demand guarantees that similar oversights won’t happen again.
