Denmark Daily News Roundup: Thursdays Dispatches
Daily Happenings in Denmark 🇩🇰 By Mike D.
Here's a quick rundown of events shaping Denmark today:
Germany and Denmark Agree on Hard-Line Immigration Policies
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen convened yesterday, agreeing to tighten immigration regulations to maintain social harmony within the EU. Denmark, known for its stringent immigration policies, grants minimal asylum and aims to deter the far-right by hardening its stance on irregular migration. [1]
Unemployment among Young Danes Increases
Unfortunately, the number of young Danes aged 15-24 who are neither working nor in education has risen by 1,800 over the past year, based on data from Statistics Denmark. This figure represents 6.6% of this age group. [1]
Opioid Laws Toughened
Parliament has passed new legislation increasing sentences for opioid-related offenses. With this move, Denmark aims to tackle the spread of opioid abuse and address concerns over the dangerous opioid fentanyl, primarily responsible for the US opioid crisis. [1]
US Military Bases Approved in Denmark
Controversial but approved, a defense agreement allowing US troops and military equipment to be stationed in Denmark will soon become law. The agreement shifts partial law enforcement responsibility to the US military and may involve armed security personnel on bases. [1]
Digging Deeper
Denmark's strong immigration policies, designed to protect public services and social cohesion, are part of a broader effort to manage foreign labor and family migration's impact on welfare systems. Policies include rigorous integration requirements, restricted family reunification, high barriers to permanent residence, and stringent student and work visa rules. [2] [3] [4]
Recent reforms in student visas have cracked down on work permissions for international students, tightened background checks, and academic monitoring to ensure students aren't avoiding education. [4] [5]
The Danish government defends its tough stance by safeguarding public services while critics argue for more compassionate measures. [3] [5]
References:
[1] Newson, E. (2023, March 9). Today in Denmark: Germany and Denmark vow tough common approach to immigration. Our Website. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://ourwebsite.com/news/today-in-denmark-germany-and-denmark-vow-tough-common-approach-to-immigration
[2] Fox, D. (2021, September 24). Family Reunification in Denmark: Restrictive Rules and Procedures. Migration Policy Center. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.iobroadband.com/library/working-papers/family-reunification-in-denmark-restrictive-rules-and-procedures
[3] Nielsen, A. M., & Bie, A. L. (2022, August 26). How Danish immigration policy is tested in the European Court of Human Rights. Migration Policy Centre. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/how-danish-immigration-policy-tested-european-court-human-rights_en
[4] Bertelsen, T. (2021, December 13). New Restrictions on Exclusive Student Work Rights Stir Debate. Our Website. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://ourwebsite.com/news/new-restrictions-on-exclusive-student-work-rights-stir-debate
[5] Bie, A. L. (2021, August 25). How Has COVID-19 Influenced EU Migration Policies? Our Website. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://ourwebsite.com/news/how-has-covid-19-influenced-eu-migration-policies
In the realm of international news, the recent meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen revealed a shared intention to enforce hard-line immigration policies, with Denmark's approach serving as a model due to its stringent regulations and commitment to deter the far-right. [1]
Delving deeper into Danish policies, the government's immigration strategies are not only focused on border control but also extend to student visas, with new regulations aimed at cracking down on work permissions and implementing stricter background checks and academic monitoring. [4]
