Denmark to screen foreign investments

Security measure is not expected to diminish the country’s attractiveness abroad as an investment market 

A broad spectrum across Parliament has approved a new law that will result in the authorities screening investments made in Denmark from abroad.

The move is designed to halt investments that could potentially be a threat to the country.

“Foreign investment is important to our growth, jobs and welfare, but we must ensure it doesn’t present a threat to Denmark,” explained the business minister, Simon Kollerup.

“For instance, foreign companies’ investment in critical Danish technology should occur without being a security risk.”

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Already widely used
Kollerup went on to underline that the government would work to ensure that the screening process would not compromise Denmark’s attractive investment climate.

Screening of foreign investment is already a focus in the EU and beyond, with similar initiatives established in countries such as Germany, France, the US, Canada, Norway, Finland and China.

The new law will come into effect on July 1, but won’t impact investment entered into before September 1.