Defence minister Ellemann-Jensen to return from sick leave on August 1

In a statement on social media today, the Venstre boss revealed that he aims to be back in the saddle on August 1

The Defence Ministry has a lot going on these days. The War in Ukraine, a massive and costly revamp of the Danish forces, and a military in dire need of recruitment are but a few of the tasks requiring urgent attention.

So it’s been more than a small inconvenience that the defence minister, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, went on stress leave in early February. 

But there was good news for the government this morning, as it emerged that Ellemann-Jensen will return from sick leave in the coming months.

“I can tell you that I am determined to return as head of Venstre, defence minister and deputy PM,” Ellemann-Jensen wrote on Facebook.

“After consultations with my doctors and psychologists, I’ve decided to return on August 1, when the new political season commences.”

READ ALSO: Defence minister on leave following health scare

Nosedived in polls
Venstre will likely breathe a sigh of relief at the news – particularly given the party’s poor performance in the recent General Election and even worse showing in subsequent polls, in which three parties have overtaken it to place it fifth in Denmark.

Support nosedived after Ellemann-Jensen decided to team up with PM Mette Frederiksen (Socialdemokraterne) and Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Moderaterne) in a historic government across the middle.

The party is in rough seas at the moment and it will need Ellemann-Jensen’s guidance to take it back into calmer waters. Clearly, internal strife must be settled. 

In Troels he trusts
Troels Lund Poulsen filled in as interim defence minister after Ellemann-Jensen stepped away with stress, while Stephanie Lose replaced Poulsen as interim economy minister.

According to Ellemann-Jensen, the pair have done a fine job.

“Along with Stephanie Lose, Troels has managed a huge task. It has given me peace of mind and I appreciate that. They are a fantastic team to have behind you,” said Ellemann-Jensen.

Poulsen will need his party head’s confidence in the coming weeks, when the government presents its defence settlement proposal. 




  • An international’s book becomes a bestseller in Denmark

    An international’s book becomes a bestseller in Denmark

    As his book Quantum Humanitarian quietly reaches readers across Europe — recently ranked as the #1 hot release on Amazon in philanthropy, refugee studies, and conflict response, and a #1 bestseller in its category — Ali Al Mokdad reflects on the disconnect in modern aid work, and the quiet strength of those who lead without being seen

  • “Don’t erase who you are to fit in: STAND OUT—but with substance”

    “Don’t erase who you are to fit in: STAND OUT—but with substance”

    Ambre James-Brown didn’t just move to Denmark for a job —she stepped into a new life chapter, balancing ambition with vulnerability, and career with identity. As Vice President of Global Media & Stakeholder Communication at Novo Nordisk, she’s learned that success isn’t about assimilation. “I like to say I’m Dane-ish. More “ish” than Dane. I’m bringing the best parts of me to blend with the best parts of Denmark,” she explains.

  • Non-EU students consistently graded 0.4 points lower than Danish classmates

    Non-EU students consistently graded 0.4 points lower than Danish classmates

    On average, students with non-EU backgrounds receive 0.4 points lower grades than Danish students. A report from the Rockwool foundation last week revealed that discrimination in primary schools occurs though overall lower GPA depending on factors such as ethnic and social backgrounds, or gender

  • Danish students arethe heaviest drinker in Europe

    Danish students arethe heaviest drinker in Europe

    A newly published European study shows that Danish 9th graders remain the heaviest alcohol consumers among European youth. They not only drink more but also start at a younger age compared to 15–16-year-olds in other countries across the continent

  • Danish economy shrinks; pharmaceutical industry behind the drop. Christiansborg: “Situation still positive”

    Danish economy shrinks; pharmaceutical industry behind the drop. Christiansborg: “Situation still positive”

    Two years after the last decline—and following a period in which the country was among the few in the West to maintain growth—Danish GDP decreased in Q1 2025. Nothing alarming yet, but it is a sign that the recent months of global challenges have finally reached Denmark as well

  • Parking in Copenhagen becomes a controversial election issue

    Parking in Copenhagen becomes a controversial election issue

    First, the Social Democrats wanted fewer parking spaces in Copenhagen. Now the party’s mayoral candidate wants more. In doing so, Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theill is preparing for a showdown with the left in the reddest of Denmark’s cities.

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


  • An international’s book becomes a bestseller in Denmark

    An international’s book becomes a bestseller in Denmark

    As his book Quantum Humanitarian quietly reaches readers across Europe — recently ranked as the #1 hot release on Amazon in philanthropy, refugee studies, and conflict response, and a #1 bestseller in its category — Ali Al Mokdad reflects on the disconnect in modern aid work, and the quiet strength of those who lead without being seen

  • “Don’t erase who you are to fit in: STAND OUT—but with substance”

    “Don’t erase who you are to fit in: STAND OUT—but with substance”

    Ambre James-Brown didn’t just move to Denmark for a job —she stepped into a new life chapter, balancing ambition with vulnerability, and career with identity. As Vice President of Global Media & Stakeholder Communication at Novo Nordisk, she’s learned that success isn’t about assimilation. “I like to say I’m Dane-ish. More “ish” than Dane. I’m bringing the best parts of me to blend with the best parts of Denmark,” she explains.

  • DRC confirms layoffs (including Copenhagen) and the closure in six countries

    DRC confirms layoffs (including Copenhagen) and the closure in six countries

    The Danish humanitarian powerhouse confirms a total of 2,000 layoffs, some of which will also affect the main headquarters in Copenhagen