News

International Round-Up: Borders a hot topic

Plot thickens concerning jailed ASMLA members

Nathan Walmer

PM Mette Frederiksen has admitted in a televised debate that she is not vehemently opposed to reopening Denmark’s borders once again to everyone.

She was pressed on the subject by parliamentary party leaders who say she has been slow to act.

But for now she will remain cautious, although it is believed she will make an announcement concerning the borders before June 1.

Criticism growing
Currently, only those with ‘official business’ in Denmark are permitted entry, and  the tourism industry is suffering, claim her critics.

Criticism has also been voiced in Germany Horst Seehofer, the interior minister, who claims his country are simply waiting for Denmark to make a move.

Among the suggestions is opening up the borders to certain nationalities, but not others – for example Germans and Norwegians, but not Swedes.

Denmark extends Mali mission contribution
The Foreign Ministry has decided to extend its contribution of Danish transport aircraft and personnel to the UN mission in Mali until mid-July 2020. The announcement comes in light of a decision by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to suspend its UN missions provisionally until June 30 due to the Coronavirus Crisis. The foreign and defense ministers state that the move emphasises Denmark’s solidarity and commitment to the UN, Mali and international partners in the Sahel region against terrorism and crime in Mali.

Denmark offers extra contribution to protect EU outer borders
The Danish government is contributing additional equipment to Frontex, the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency, to support the migration situation in Greece. This will complement its previous commitment for 2020 of patrol boats, personnel and surveillance aircraft – among other assets. The new contribution includes a vehicle with thermal surveillance equipment and a helicopter for a duration of three months.

Alleged spy network in Denmark reportedly linked to Dutch terror case
Roskilde Court on May 15 ruled that three jailed members of the Arab political group Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), who stand accused of espionage on behalf of Saudi Arabia, will remain in custody until June 11. Court documents in the Netherlands allegedly reveal that two of the prisoners are co-conspirators in a separate case against a 40-year-old man from the Netherlands – charges that the pair’s lawyers deny they are aware of. The 40-year old man is suspected of plotting attacks against police offices, banks, and members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard between 2017 and 2020. Earlier this week, several MEPS called for the trio’s release.

PM Mette Frederiksen in talks with PM Modi of India
PM Mette Frederiksen and PM Narendra Modi of India spoke by telephone on May 15 to discuss the Coronavirus Crisis and the possibility of building a strategic green partnership between Denmark and India. In addition, they hope to increase overall health co-operation between the two countries. Frederiksen noted that ensuring green growth and green jobs after the Coronvirus Crisis dissipates will be a priority for both countries.

TOP STORIES

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • 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

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs