2013: Year in Review

A month-by-month look at the biggest stories of 2013

February

The attempted assassination of Lars Hedegaard made headlines around the world. The vocal critic of Islam was shot at outside his apartment building by an individual posing as a postman. The incident only seemed to reinforce his claims about the threat that Islam poses to the freedom of speech, and it echoed the high profile 2004 assassination of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh.

The assassination attempt spurred a debate among Danish intellectuals about whether free speech was under threat in Denmark. Many who condemned the publishing of the Mohammed cartoons have since admitted that no-one should risk losing their life for speaking their mind. There was a significant twist later in the year, however, when an artist was convicted of racism for her statements about Muslim men. Then this was followed by the emergence on the national scene of ‘ghetto poet’ Yahya Hassan, who many said was getting away with his inflammatory anti-Muslim poetry simply because of his Lebanese background. Just as Hedegaard’s assassination attempt remains unsolved ten months later, there is no end in sight for the larger debate.

Peter Stanners




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

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