Denmark News Summaries: Wednesday Edition
Today's Morning Brew from Denmark *Michael Barrett Save* Join the discussion*
Get your day started right with the latest news from Denmark, including Lars Løkke Rasmussen's call for Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, Norway's push for Denmark's help in enforcing a social media age limit, and the green light for a two-kilometer tunnel in Aarhus.
Hot Topics
Løkke demands Israel grant aid access, warns of historical accountability
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen took to social media platform X yesterday, demanding Israel grant unrestricted access for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Løkke expressed concern over the violence towards Palestinians, and warned that future generations would judge us harshly if the situation continues.
Israel's military reportedly opened fire on individuals near a center run by the controversial Israel-backed organization GHF, resulting in 27 Palestinian deaths while waiting for aid distribution. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings, calling them unacceptable.
Norway seeks Denmark's help in enforcing EU social media age limit
Norwegian Ministers Lene Vågslid and Karianne Tung visited Denmark this week to discuss their policy to introduce a minimum age of 15 for social media use. These ministers met with Danish Digitisation Minister Caroline Stage in the hopes that Denmark would help bring the issue to the attention of the EU.
The Danish government, under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, has shown support for this initiative, advocating for a ban on social media for children under 15. This stance aligns with that of France and Greece but contradicts Spain's proposal of a minimum age of 16.
Denmark's EU presidency starting July 1st may provide the needed platform to discuss this matter with the bloc.
Major Developments
New tunnel planned for Aarhus to ease traffic congestion
A two-kilometer road tunnel aimed at reducing traffic congestion between the harbor and motorway in Aarhus has been approved for construction. The tunnel, expected to open in 2035, will be constructed beneath Marselis Boulevard and will divert heavy traffic away from the city center.
Danish trawler fishing accused of damaging protected Marine Areas
The Danish Society for Nature Conservation has filed a complaint against Denmark with the European Commission, asserting that large-scale fishing with bottom-towed gear continues in protected marine areas despite the EU's Habitats Directive and the European Court of Justice's ruling. Maria Reumert Gjerding, the society's president, states that the practice is devastating for fish stocks and fisheries.
Sound Off
Weigh in on our articles, share your opinions, and ask questions. Send your thoughts and suggestions to [email protected]. Remember to keep comments respectful, constructive, and relevant to the topics at hand. Aarhus residents, make sure to log in here to leave your comments.
Further Reading
Footnote References:[1] European Commission (2023). "Revising the EU’s Digital Services Act – Frequently Asked Questions." https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/digital-services-act_en[2] Danish Government (2023). "Ban on Social Media for Children Under 15 – Statement by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen." https://www. government.dk/ministerier/ministeriet_for_terehje_og_digitalisering/aktuelle_nyheder/news-story-news-story-ban-on-social-media-for-children-under-15.aspx[3] World Health Organization (2023). "Adolescent Health: Mental and Substance Use." https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-health-mental-and-substance-use[4] European Council (2023). "Presidency Agenda: Denmark – Ministerial Meetings Focused on Child Online Protection." https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/council-etucm/2023/09/10/[5] Ministry of Transport, Denmark (2023). "Marselis Tunnel Project – A Fast and Efficient Link for Heavy Traffic." https://transport.dk/en/news-and-campaigns/marselis-tunnel-project-fast-and-efficient-link-for-heavy-traffic/
- The latest in policy-and-legislation includes Norway's appeal to Denmark for assistance in enforcing a social media age limit, as both nations strive to protect children from potential harm online.
- Art enthusiasts may find interest in the news about the green light for a two-kilometer tunnel in Aarhus, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and promote the city's artistic and cultural scene.
- The unrest in Gaza continues to be a significant general-news topic, with Lars Løkke Rasmussen calling upon Israel to grant unrestricted humanitarian aid access, drawing attention to the historical accountability of global political conduct in such matters.
