The Danish Connection: 5 March 2025

Maersk protests, a 50 billion kroner boost in military spending and why youth wellbeing in Denmark is declining

This week on The Danish Connection:

Maersk protests turn violent amid weapon shipment allegations

1,000 protesters gathered outside Maersk headquarters on February 23rd to demonstrate against the Danish shipping giant’s alleged involvement in transporting military equipment to Israel. But what began as a peaceful demonstration took an unexpectedly violent turn.

Denmark boosts military budget by 50 billion kroner amid weakening US-EU relations

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, we discuss the Danish government’s special 50 billion kroner fund dedicated to the rapid rearmament of Denmark’s defense forces, and why Denmark has pledged a substantial two billion DKK donation to Ukraine.

Youth wellbeing crisis prompts government action

In response to alarming statistics indicating that nearly half of Danes aged 0 to 25 are experiencing declining wellbeing, the Danish government has established a wellbeing commission. We look into some of the 35 recommendations aimed at addressing this concerning trend and improving the quality of life for Denmark’s youth.

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  • 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.

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  • 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