What happened in Denmark last week? Jobs, tourists, and a CEO exit

As nearly 30,000 young Danes remain out of work and school, the country also saw a surge in U.S. tourism and launched efforts to expand global trade

Seljan Zeynalli

May 19, 2025

From a record wave of American tourists to a youth crisis affecting nearly 30,000 Danes, this week’s roundup captures a country in motion. New data shows a troubling rise in young adults aged 25 to 29 who are neither working nor studying—many struggling with mental health or limited education. Meanwhile, tourism figures hit a high, with Americans making up the bulk of visitors to iconic sites like Kronborg Castle.

Denmark also launched a DKK 500 million initiative to boost trade with African markets, MobilePay announced a major expansion across Europe, and CopenPay returned—offering free access to attractions for sustainable actions like biking or planting flower seeds. Novo Nordisk saw a shakeup as its CEO stepped down, and UNICEF ranked Denmark second in the world for child wellbeing. Finally, the Copenhagen Democracy Summit closed with strong words from Greenland’s former prime minister: “Enough blah blah — we need more action.”

🎥 Watch the full video roundup on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJyXoEAMheI/?igsh=MTEwdzVkdGM3aTBpcg==

Huge cycling event in Copenhagen and Sjælland starts today: Major impact on traffic expected

Saturday and Sunday, Copenhange Sprint will take place for the first time. Check the map before you move.
Denmark is doing well with internationals, but we must address the issues together before they become problems

Fourth and last chapter of The Copenhagen Post’s analysis of the state of internationals in Denmark. Over the past days, we have discussed concrete challenges, issues of belonging, and how Danes and Denmark perceive us. Today, we will attempt to draw some conclusions. The author—The Copenhagen Post’s editor-in-chief—kindly asks to be excused for using the first person singular
Copenhagen is the most liveable city in the world

Australia has four of the world’s most attractive cities to live in, Switzerland has two. But Copenhagen is now number one in the world according to The Economist’s Liveability index.
Language remains the biggest barrier to employment in Denmark

Amongst debates around internationals having to learn Danish, the 2025 Employer Analysis published by the Incita Foundation revealed that language barrier is the main reason for employers to reject candidates
For many, we’re still just “immigrants.” Politics and media don’t always help

While Denmark and the Danes are more welcoming than most countries, there are still many issues to address in the perception of internationals. Danish media and politics still carry out direct assaults on international people (mostly MENAPT people and Muslims), and with the election approaching, the atmosphere toward internationals is getting worse
Lars Vesterløkke appointed new CEO and co-owner of The Copenhagen Post

The former DR executive and long-time Ritzau CEO has acquired a 33% stake in Denmark’s leading English-language media outlet since 1997 and takes over daily management.

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

Career

Language remains the biggest barrier to employment in Denmark

Amongst debates around internationals having to learn Danish, the 2025 Employer Analysis published by the Incita Foundation revealed that language barrier is the main reason for employers to reject candidates
Internationals work more than Danes, say a report from the Ministry of Labour

Between 2008 and 2023, average weekly working hours increased by 1.2 hours among immigrants, while falling by 0.5 hours among Danes. Things are different for asylum-seekers and descendants. Furthermore, nearly one in five employees now reports feeling stressed
Job vacancies rise in Denmark

After a decline during 2022–2023, the number of vacancies has been increasing since 2024. However, there are still differences between geographical areas and industries

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Jobs