This week on The Danish Connection:
Melissa explores the citizenship controversy surrounding a Muslim leader denied Danish citizenship despite meeting all legal criteria. Lawmakers cited “values incompatible with Danish principles,” sparking a debate over religious freedom, democracy and increasing restrictions around citizenship in Denmark.
Rachel breaks down the Mink Scandal - the controversy that just won’t go away for Mette Frederiksen. Five years after the illegal culling of 17 million mink during the pandemic, new revelations suggest the government may not have been fully transparent about deleted text messages tied to that decision. With billions in taxpayer compensation going to the mink farmers, new calls for an independent inquiry and a possible impeachment, what does this mean for the Prime Minister's future in the Folketing?
Melissa unpacks a new report that reveals nearly 49% of species and 77% of habitats in Denmark are in a state scientists describe as ‘highly unfavourable’. Yet, the Ministry for the Green Tripartite seems to be telling the EU a different story. Can Denmark claim green leadership while ignoring its own data?
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you.
Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
This week on The Danish Connection:
Eva unpacks the mysterious drone incidents that shut down Danish airports and raised national security alarms. Who is behind them, why is the Prime Minister receiving criticism for how it was handled and was it discussed among EU leaders at the summit that took place in Copenhagen this week?
Rachel dives into Denmark’s upcoming local and regional elections, taking place on November 18th, 2025. Half a million internationals are eligible to vote, making up 10% of all voters in Denmark. Yet, turnout among internationals is still much lower than among Danes. She explains why this gap matters, how internationals can make their voices heard and gives you all the practical information you need to go and vote.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
Welcome back to another edition of Stories from the Streets with Maria Pagola - a bonus series from The Danish Connection where you get the chance to hear the unfiltered voices of Copenhagen speaking about the big topics, the small details, and everything in between.
In this episode, Maria discusses the many layers of meaning behind Denmark’s most basic commodity: Water
Is it safe to drink it, is it ok to swim in it, and why does it hold so much cultural significance for Danes? In this episode she takes to the streets of Copenhagen to find out.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
This week on The Danish Connection, we’re digging into three huge stories that reveal the darker sides of public figures, education systems, and women’s safety in Denmark:
🇩🇰 Eva breaks down the shocking case of former Social Democrats minister Henrik Sass Larsen, who has been convicted of possessing thousands of child sexual abuse materials, and why his prison sentence has caused public outrage.
🎓 Rachel investigates how Roskilde University (RUC) filled its financial gap by enrolling fee-paying students from Bangladesh and Nepal, despite knowing many would struggle academically. Was this a lifeline for the university, or a scandal that undermines trust in Denmark’s higher education system and the ministry for it?
⚖️ Melissa unpacks the murder of a woman by her ex-partner in Odense that has reignited a debate on femicide, intimate partner violence, and whether Danish authorities are doing enough to protect women at risk.
We also talk about the prime minister's apology regarding the infamous spiral case and the Novo Nordisk layoffs.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
Welcome back to The Situation Room.
This week, Jonas Friis is joined by Sine Plambech -anthropologist, author, filmmaker, and Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). Her work spans migration, smuggling, trafficking, and the sex industry, taking her deep into migrant communities, border zones, red-light districts, and along migration routes across West Africa, Asia, Europe’s southern frontier, and Denmark.
Together, Jonas and Sine take on the pressing theme of “European Border Policies and Migration.” They begin by looking at how Denmark is adjusting politically, before turning to Sine’s research and first-hand experiences from the Mediterranean, alongside Jonas’ own reflections from his work with Frontex on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Melissa also share her thoughts and experiences in the Mediterranean
The Danish stock market, Novo Nordisk and Trump
Rachel explores how Trump’s trade policies are sending shockwaves through Danish companies like Novo Nordisk, Ørsted, and Vestas. With tariffs, the falling value of the dollar, and investor uncertainty hitting the Danish economy, she looks into what this means for Denmark’s future in global markets and for the Danish GDP.
New study finds children in Denmark own smartphones as young as eights years old
Melissa dives into a new study which finds that Danish children now get their first smartphone at just 8 years old - many years earlier than experts recommend. She examines the pressures parents face, the impact on children’s mental health, and the debate over screen time and online safety.
The Prime Minister's statement on Palestine and Israel divides public and parliamentary opinions
Eva looks at Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s recent statement on what is happening in Gaza, in which she condemned Israel’s actions and its Prime MInister, but did not say Denmark would move towards recognizing a Palestinian state, nor would it change its stance on taking in children in need of medical care. With Denmark holding the EU presidency and public opinion sharply divided, Eva unpacks the political, diplomatic, and humanitarian dimensions of this complex issue and how it affects Frederiksen’s future in the Folketing.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
It may be ‘cucumber time’ in Denmark, but we’ve still managed to create a roundup of the latest news to keep you informed!
This week on The Danish Connection:
*Danish zoos spark global outrage after asking people to donate unwanted pets and livestock on Facebook.
*In Amager, a butcher shop targeted by animal rights protests and vandalism sees sales soar in a show of local solidarity.
*Copenhagen warns swimmers not to swim in popular harbor spots due to high E. coli levels.
*Political pressure mounts on Mette Frederiksen as critics urge Denmark to accept sick children from Gaza.
*Couples from across the globe flock to Copenhagen for fast, bureaucracy-free weddings.
*The “pornographic” mermaid statue in Dragør and why locals want it gone
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
Why does Denmark have so many sperm donors? How do Danes deal with death? How safe is it to swim in, and drink the water here? How is it to be a sex worker in Denmark?
Welcome to season two of Stories from the Streets with Maria Pagola - an extra monthly episode from The Danish Connection where you’ll hear the unfiltered voices of Copenhagen speaking about the big topics, the small details, and everything in between.
In this episode, Maria investigates why Denmark is so renowned for sperm donations, and we take a closer look at the ethical implications of the process.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
With half of the population of Copenhagen at Roskilde this week, Eva away in Aalborg and the weather being a complete b*tch, Melissa and Rachel bring you a chatty episode to cheer you up looking into three of the top stories in Denmark this week:
*We talk about waste management at Roskilde and how activism at festivals became controversial.
*We look into why young people in Denmark are having less sex and discuss how societal shifts are impacting intimacy in other Western countries too.
*We discuss the iPsych scandal, a controversial research project that used thousands of Danish people’s DNA to map their genes without their consent, and talk about the potential impact it may have on the high trust society.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
Welcome back to The Situation Room. This week Jonas Friis sits down with Jan Werner Mathiasen - a military analyst at the Institute for Strategy and War Studies, where he also teaches and researches military strategy. Jan focuses on how culture, domestic politics, and identity affect how countries use military power. He has also been an officer in the Danish military for 25 years.
In this episode, Jan walks us through the transformation of Denmark’s defense policy over the years - from semi-armed neutrality to active participation in international operations.He unpacks the impact of the Nazi occupation on the Danish psyche, why Denmark chose to break from the tradition of Nordic Neutrality and the successes and failures of Danish military operations since the Cold War.
Welcome back to another brand new episode of The Danish Connection - this is a special one!
Government moves to ban ads for junk food aimed at children Reported by Melissa
As part of Cancer Plan V, Denmark will tighten its Marketing Act to stop influencers and companies from targeting children under 15 with ads for soda, chips, and fast food. Melissa explores what sparked the change, what it means for public health, and whether it signals a broader shift in the ‘Wild West’ of influencer marketing on social media.
Decision to ban Palestine debate from school elections raises concerns over censorship Reported by Rachel
The Danish Parliament’s Presidium has blocked youth parties from including Palestinian statehood in next year’s school election debates, stating the topic is too sensitive and complex for the students to debate in the three week time frame. Rachel unpacks the backlash from student leaders and left-wing parties, and discusses what this means for civic education and freedom of expression in Danish schools.
Navigating pregnancy in Denmark: A guide for international mothers
Reported by Eva
Eva shares her own pregnancy journey and kicks off an important discussion on maternity in Denmark for internationals. From public fertility services to prenatal care, hospital rights, leave policies, and baby welcome packages - this is essential listening for expectant parents navigating a foreign system.
For more information about everything Eva speaks about in this episode, explore these links:
borger.dk (Citizens service page)
Sundhedsstyrelsens.dk (The official Danish health authority)
https://ast.dk/ (Board of Equal Treatment (Ligebehandlingsnævnet) - for complaints and pregnancy discrimination cases
https://sagfoererne.com Arbejdsmiljøet (Work Environment Authority) - regarding workplace safety. They can recommend changes to reduce workload for pregnant staff
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
The rain is back, and so are we!
This week on The Danish Connection:
Political push to limit English in Danish institutions
Reported by Rachel
Are Danes speaking too much English in their daily lives? Two parties are proposing new language laws to restrict English in public spaces and education. While supporters argue it's about protecting Danish identity, critics say it's out of touch with an increasingly global society. We asked some Danes what they think about it.
Denmark opens embassy in Tunisia amid human rights criticism
Reported by Melissa
While Denmark deepens ties with Tunisia on climate and migration, human rights watchdogs warn of growing repression against migrants, activists, and journalists under the current regime. Can diplomatic engagement coexist with ethical foreign policy, and are there other interests at play?
Major criminal justice reform: harsher sentences, smarter reintegration?
Reported by Eva
A historic reform package will expand Denmark’s prison capacity, double sentences for violent crimes, and invest in new reintegration models. But staffing shortages and other challenges remain. What does the future look like for Denmark’s justice system?
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
Happy Sunday everyone!
This week on The Danish Connection:
Copenhagen car crash raises questions about driving laws for the elderly
*Reported by Rachel
A 75-year-old man was held in custody last week after injuring 12 people in a serious car accident near the lakes in central Copenhagen. He claims confusion and a slipped foot caused the crash, but the court suspects he knew he was unable to drive safely.
Denmark turns to foreign labour to address elder care shortage
*Reported by Eva
The government is forming recruitment deals with countries like India and the Philippines to fill an urgent shortage in elderly care staff. With projections showing a 10,000 worker gap in the next decade, the initiative marks a major policy shift. We talk about integration issues with foreign labour initiatives in the past, and whether choices regarding foreign labour are too selective.
The King’s ‘Apolitical’ trip to Greenland
*Reported by Melissa
King Frederik’s second visit to Greenland in just a year is being interpreted as a deliberate message of unity. With updates to the royal coat of arms and rising talk of “The Kingdom,” the monarchy appears to be taking a more active role in shaping the Denmark-Greenland relationship. But can any monarchy really be considered Apolitical?
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
We’re back! Did you miss us?
This week on The Danish Connection:
Melissa shares the case of Nadine, a woman raised in Denmark since she was a child who is now facing possible deportation over a 20-year-old citizenship "mistake." She also shares how a Facebook comment may have worked against her, and what this says about citizenship, rights, and political pressure in Denmark.
Rachel discusses a major shift in reproductive rights: Denmark has officially extended the abortion limit from 12 to 18 weeks. She breaks down the new law, the political debates it has sparked, and what Mette Frederiksen has to say about it.
Eva looks into why after almost 150 years, Denmark’s oldest women’s magazine Femina decided to end its weekly print editions - and then quickly backtracked on its decision. She also looks into how this correlates to PostNord’s decision to shut down its letter-delivering service in favour of digitalization, and what this means for Denmark’s older residents.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
The world is changing - and so is Denmark’s place in it.
Welcome to The Situation Room. In this special bonus series from The Danish Connection, we are joined by Jonas Friis. Jonas has been in the military for thirteen years, he is currently a naval officer, and aside from that, he is interested in investigating, understanding and commenting on the Danish military and it’s place in the global defense context.
In this episode, Jonas sits down with Hans Peter Michealsen - an independent defense analyst and speaker who shares insights on Denmark's defense policy - to discuss the details of the Danish military rearmament plan and Denmark’s future in an era of rapid geopolitical shifts.
You can learn more about Hans Peter’s talks at Forsvarsforedrag.dk, forsvarsanalyse.dk.
Welcome to another episode of The Expat’s Toolkit - where we give you tools and actionable tips on how to thrive as an immigrant in Denmark. You may remember our episode with Signe about finding a job in your field in Denmark, or with Rasmus about learning to unionize.
In today’s episode, we are talking about something most of us struggle with - learning Danish.
To do this, we sat down with Sigga Hansen, teacher and founder of Lingua Danica. With over 75,000 followers on social media, Sigga has built one of the largest communities for Danish learners worldwide with the mission of making the Danish language and culture accessible to all.
In this episode we chat to Sigga about common struggles internationals face when learning Danish, why learning Danish is important for integration, common challenges of pronunciation and grammar, the differences between public and private language schools and practical tips to make learning Danish more fun!
Eva also shares her experience navigating the language, while Rachel reflects on her own (non-existent) Danish learning journey.
Welcome back to another episode of your favourite Danish news podcast!
Greenlanders have voted: Melissa discusses Demokraatit's surprise election victory in Greenland and what it means for Greenland’s future.
Denmark boycotts US goods: Eva examines how Danish consumers are taking action by boycotting American products in response to Trump's policies, with some of Denmark’s major retailers joining the movement.
Rich on diet pills: Novo invests millions in junk food: Rachel digs into Danwatch’s investigation into Novo Nordisk’s investments of U.S employee pension funds in fast food chains, while profiting from obesity medications. She chats to Investigative journalist Joachim Kattrup about his investigation and how Novo Nordisk have responded.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
In collaboration with @cphpost
Hosted by @_mariaeva, @rachsheary and @Melissamarchi
Edited by Maria Eva De Sanctis
Music by @Julietarod
Cover Picture by @kammarad
Broadcasting in @unionkbh
#danishnewsinenglish #boycott #greenlandicelections #novonordisk #investigation
Happy Kvindernes Internationale Kampdag—aka International Women’s Day! 🎉
In this special episode, we take you through the history of the feminist movement in Denmark and explore what it means to practice feminism—both in the past and today.
To do that, we’re joined by the amazing Nadia (TAG)—a Danish-Algerian feminist activist, project manager, advisor, writer, and cultural facilitator based in Copenhagen. She works internationally at the intersection of gender equality, politics, and leadership, managing a global network of women leaders and advising on diversity, inclusion, and youth.
For this occasion, Nadia helps us travel through time, reflecting on past battles, present challenges, and the road ahead.
Have a listen! ✨
This week on The Danish Connection:
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
Hello friends! We hope you’re staying warm out there.
This week on The Danish Connection:
* Rachel unpacks how a trade war between Denmark and the United States would impact the Danish economy, what companies would be worst hit and what products the States would be missing most.
* Eva talks about the deadly school shooting in Risbergska school in Örebro, Sweden, where ten people lost their lives earlier this month - including the gunman himself. She looks into the details of the attack and explains why Swedish and Danish police and press are often tight lipped about tragic news.
* Melissa discusses the return of the wolf to Denmark, what it means for Danish ecology, and why some of Jutland’s residents are unhappy about it.
As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.
Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.
If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
In collaboration with The Copenhagen Post and Union KBH
Hosted by Maria Eva Friis De Sanctis, Rachel Sheary, and Melissa Marchi
Edited by Maria Eva De Sanctis
Music by Julieta Rod
Cover Picture by Martin Lange
Follow us on Instagram @thedkconnection
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