Morning Briefing – Thursday, May 23

The Copenhagen Post’s daily digest of what the Danish press is reporting

US deal could net 20,000 jobs

A prospective free trade agreement between the European Union and the US could swing 20,000 jobs Denmark’s way due to its proficiency in industries such as chemistry, machinery, food production and sea transport – all of which are areas expected to grow under the agreement. The negotiations on the free trade agreement, which will be the world’s largest, are to commence this summer and will likely last two years. – Politiken

Top restaurants ignoring collective bargaining agreements

The unions have virtually given up arranging collective bargaining agreements with the nation's top-notch restaurants, according to a new survey. The survey, compiled by Jyllands-Posten newspaper, showed that only 16 out of the 57 restaurants that are mentioned in the Michelin food guide have a collective bargaining agreement in place for their employees. – Jyllands-Posten

Cannabis prolongs psychological illnesses

New Danish research shows that cannabis makes it harder for young people suffering from psychological illnesses to rid themselves of their symptoms, even if they are receiving treatment. The research project followed a group of young Danes who had begun to show signs of psychosis. Some patients smoked continuously or partially during the study, while others did not. – Videnskab

Afghanistan aid ending in wrong pockets

Information gleaned from the Foreign Ministry via an access to information request revealed that much of the 530 million kroner that Denmark sends to Afghanistan every year ends up vanishing thanks to corruption. There have been at least ten cases of corruption in Danish aid programmes to Afghanistan since 2005, three of which involve the administration of the president, Hamid Karzai, who recently visited Denmark. – Information

Incorrect US report vexes Danish church

The Danish church is up in arms thanks to a report from the US State Department, which states that everyone in Denmark is automatically a member of the Evangelical-Lutheran church unless they withdraw themselves. But it is only people who are baptised who are automatically added as members, and the church is now worried that other countries will accuse Denmark of religious discrimination. – Kristeligt-Dagblad

Finance authorities to stay tough

Denmark’s banks and financial institutions will have to come to terms with the fact that the nation's financial authorities, Finanstilsynet, are the toughest in Europe. Ulrik Nødgaard, the head of Finanstilsynet, said that its stern stance was necessary in order to clean up in the Danish banking sector following the financial crisis. – Børsen

Arnesen sacked in Hamburg

Former Danish footballer Frank Arnesen has been fired from his job as sporting director at German club Hamburger SV after two tumultuous years. The club cited financial issues and disagreements on the long-term direction of the club as reasons for the dismissal. Hamburg have struggled the last few seasons and finished this year’s Bundesliga in seventh place. – Tipsbladet




  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

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