National Round-Up: Danes rapidly back proposal to offer more support to bereaved parents of infants

A citizens’ proposal to provide more help to parents whose infant children die has gathered 60,000 signatures in just three days, meaning it will be heard by Parliament.

Louise Holm Jacobsen and Daniel Hugo Sørensen, whose eight-month-old daughter died in an accident in November, formulated the proposal.

High death toll
The death toll among infants aged 0-12 months is very high every year, with 1,026 dying over the last five years (2016-20).

In comparison, just 31 one-year-olds, 25 two-year-olds, nine three-year-olds, 11 four-year-olds and 16 five-year-olds have died in the last three years.


Walrus sighted in Danish waters for first time since 2010
A young walrus, but still up to 400 kilos in weight, was yesterday sighted on a beach near Thy, according to the Central and West Jutland Police. It is the first sighting of a walrus for ten years. However, although its normal habitat is the Arctic, it is perfectly capable of living in Danish waters. In recent years there have been sightings in 1999, 2003 and 2010. Adult walruses tend to weigh between 1.2 and 2.0 tonnes.

Sports confederation lobbying for return of youth sports
The Danmarks Idrætsforbund (DIF) sports confederation is lobbying for youth sports to be included in any lifting of restrictions on March 1. It argues that corona-safe activities for children and young people will strengthen their well-being at a time when they might be feeling vulnerable or dissatisfied with life. While the DIF would like to see all sports return, it is realistic to know this will probably only happen in phases, and it is therefore hoping “children’s and youth sports should be given the highest possible priority”.

Public Enemy #1 fighting fake news with fake news
Torkil Poulsen, the chief executive of tracking technology company DanTracker, has given a masterclass in how to become Public Enemy Number 1 in just a matter of days. First, he organised an event called ‘Monday’s Grand Opening Day’ via Facebook, which promised consumers hundreds of stores would defy the coronavirus restrictions in a wave that even the PM “could not stop”. In the end, only a handful opened. And then barely a day later he posted a photo of himself apparently enjoying a meal at a restaurant taking part in the initiative, which was widely shared. The Odense restaurant’s owner was horrified to recognise one of his tables and, after checking his surveillance, realised that Poulsen had snuck out of the line for takeaway to quickly take the photo. When confronted with his crimes, Poulsen told DR the government was always releasing fake news, so why couldn’t he conduct his own media stunts.




  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees

  • Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Some of Denmark’s leading companies reported solid financial results for 2024, with Lundbeck, Demant, and Vestas seeing growth, while Pandora tackled rising production costs with price increases and cost-saving measures.

  • Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    These days, the Greenlandic institutions are approving two new norms to restrict, reduce, or ban the possibility for foreign citizens to buy real estate on the island, as well as for political parties to receive large amounts of money from foreign donors.