The Danish Connection

This week on The Danish Connection:We discuss the train collision in North Zealand that left multiple people injured and raised major questions about safety on Denmark’s local railways. As investigations continue, we talk about how signalling systems work, where they may have fallen short and why experts say a crash like this “should not be possible.”We talk about a recent study that uncovers a rise in Danes using AI chatbots for advice and emotional support. While experts warn that these tools can blur the lines between helpful support and something more sinister, we talk about why this increase might be happening and where to go from here.Finally, we discuss why elderly homes in Copenhagen are serving primarily vegetarian food and an excess of lentils to people who are crying out for the old Danish classics. What does it say about a welfare system when meals for the elderly become a point of criticism, and when are only allowed meat on their birthday?As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!

This week on The Danish Connection:We look into growing political concern over Denmark’s agricultural trainee scheme after a sharp rise in interns arriving from Uganda prompted tighter controls and allegations that the programme risks becoming a source of cheap labour rather than education.New figures reveal that many internationals are leaving Denmark, marking the second-highest level of departures on record. While Denmark continues to attract foreign residents, retention remains a major challenge – raising questions about integration, employment and whether it is getting more difficult for people to stay long term.We also unpack a new proposal from the Liberal Party to link development aid to migration policy, suggesting countries that refuse to take back rejected asylum seekers could lose Danish funding as part of a wider global shift toward more conditional and politicised foreign aid.This is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark – and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know – please share it with them!

This week on The Danish Connection:We discuss the government’s new tax-free food check plan worth 4.5 billion kroner, aimed at helping families, students, pensioners and unemployed people cope with rising prices. We also discuss the uncertainty around whether internationals will be included.We look into why 27 years of efforts to protect Denmark’s drinking water have failed, agricultural lobbying and what the future might look like for Denmark’s water.Plus, we unpack the latest unemployment figures, which have risen to 3% for the first time in years. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!

This week on The Danish Connection:💊 We discuss the Danish government’s plan to invest DKK 160 million in a new National Centre for Research in Women’s Health. 🛂 We talk about Mette Frederiksen’s latest Facebook post where she warned of further restrictions on immigration, saying newcomers must accept ‘core Danish values’ and that the flow of international students moving to Denmark and working in the service industry must be stopped.🏥 We look into why Denmark has halted residence permits for foreign-trained nurses until 2027, citing no current shortage. While officials see it as practical, many internationals already in the country are left uncertain about their future and Denmark’s changing labour market.🗳️ On November 18, 2025, Denmark holds local and regional elections and half a million internationals are eligible to vote. With key debates over housing, sustainability and healthcare, we give you some practical advice on how to place your vote and what events you can attend to get more informed.As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!

Welcome back to another edition of Stories from the Streets with Maria Pagola - a bonus series from The Danish Connection where you get the chance to hear the unfiltered voices of Copenhagen speaking about the big topics, the small details, and everything in between. In this episode, Maria discusses the many layers of meaning behind Denmark’s most basic commodity: WaterIs it safe to drink it, is it ok to swim in it, and why does it hold so much cultural significance for Danes? In this episode she takes to the streets of Copenhagen to find out.As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!

It may be ‘cucumber time’ in Denmark, but we’ve still managed to create a roundup of the latest news to keep you informed!This week on The Danish Connection: *Danish zoos spark global outrage after asking people to donate unwanted pets and livestock on Facebook.*In Amager, a butcher shop targeted by animal rights protests and vandalism sees sales soar in a show of local solidarity. *Copenhagen warns swimmers not to swim in popular harbor spots due to high E. coli levels. *Political pressure mounts on Mette Frederiksen as critics urge Denmark to accept sick children from Gaza. *Couples from across the globe flock to Copenhagen for fast, bureaucracy-free weddings. *The “pornographic” mermaid statue in Dragør and why locals want it goneAs always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!

Welcome back to another brand new episode of The Danish Connection - this is a special one!Government moves to ban ads for junk food aimed at children Reported by Melissa As part of Cancer Plan V, Denmark will tighten its Marketing Act to stop influencers and companies from targeting children under 15 with ads for soda, chips, and fast food. Melissa explores what sparked the change, what it means for public health, and whether it signals a broader shift in the ‘Wild West’ of influencer marketing on social media.Decision to ban Palestine debate from school elections raises concerns over censorship Reported by Rachel The Danish Parliament’s Presidium has blocked youth parties from including Palestinian statehood in next year’s school election debates, stating the topic is too sensitive and complex for the students to debate in the three week time frame. Rachel unpacks the backlash from student leaders and left-wing parties, and discusses what this means for civic education and freedom of expression in Danish schools.Navigating pregnancy in Denmark: A guide for international mothers Reported by Eva Eva shares her own pregnancy journey and kicks off an important discussion on maternity in Denmark for internationals. From public fertility services to prenatal care, hospital rights, leave policies, and baby welcome packages - this is essential listening for expectant parents navigating a foreign system.For more information about everything Eva speaks about in this episode, explore these links:borger.dk (Citizens service page)Sundhedsstyrelsens.dk (The official Danish health authority)https://ast.dk/ (Board of Equal Treatment (Ligebehandlingsnævnet) - for complaints and pregnancy discrimination caseshttps://sagfoererne.com Arbejdsmiljøet (Work Environment Authority) - regarding workplace safety. They can recommend changes to reduce workload for pregnant staffAs always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!

The world is changing - and so is Denmark’s place in it. Welcome to The Situation Room. In this special bonus series from The Danish Connection, we are joined by Jonas Friis. Jonas has been in the military for thirteen years, he is currently a naval officer, and aside from that, he is interested in investigating, understanding and commenting on the Danish military and it’s place in the global defense context.In this episode, Jonas sits down with Hans Peter Michealsen - an independent defense analyst and speaker who shares insights on Denmark's defense policy - to discuss the details of the Danish military rearmament plan and Denmark’s future in an era of rapid geopolitical shifts.You can learn more about Hans Peter’s talks at Forsvarsforedrag.dk, forsvarsanalyse.dk.

Hello friends! We hope you’re staying warm out there.This week on The Danish Connection:* Rachel unpacks how a trade war between Denmark and the United States would impact the Danish economy, what companies would be worst hit and what products the States would be missing most.* Eva talks about the deadly school shooting in Risbergska school in Örebro, Sweden, where ten people lost their lives earlier this month - including the gunman himself. She looks into the details of the attack and explains why Swedish and Danish police and press are often tight lipped about tragic news.* Melissa discusses the return of the wolf to Denmark, what it means for Danish ecology, and why some of Jutland’s residents are unhappy about it.As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio.Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute.If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!In collaboration with The Copenhagen Post and Union KBHHosted by Maria Eva Friis De Sanctis, Rachel Sheary, and Melissa MarchiEdited by Maria Eva De SanctisMusic by Julieta RodCover Picture by Martin Lange Follow us on Instagram @thedkconnection Buy The Danish Connection a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/thedanishconnection?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZOEM-VoKKwe4Bcz7R-rSldQQq84pIAzym_Uy4nnpOE-vyG-QPl2RRGTNg_aem_Rh82WNL7MpGxQFTV9ABsoA

Hello everyone! We’re back, and we’re excited to bring you up to speed on everything that has been happening in Denmark over the past month. Before we return to the studio next week to record our usual biweekly episode, we bring you Stories from the Streets: Royal Gossip! Once again, our lovely resident storyteller Maria Pagola takes us through the streets of Copenhagen to discover what’s really going on in Denmark—one conversation at a time. In this episode, Maria digs into some popular gossip about the Danish royal family, discusses King Frederik’s New Year’s speech and asks Danish citizens how they really feel about Europe’s oldest royal family. This is the fourth and final episode of the first season of Stories from the Streets - we are looking forward to season two already! *Disclaimer: This episode contains some strong language. The opinions expressed are solely those of the individuals providing them and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Danish Connection.

In this episode, we unpack Denmark’s big military expansion with the help of a Lieutenant in the Danish Navy, Mette Frederiksen's Women’s Day speech and the murder of a thirteen year old girl in Jylland - plus our cultural tips of the week!