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The Danish Connection

How do you access news in Denmark if you don’t speak Danish? There are 652,495 foreign citizens living in Denmark. For non-Danes, accessing news in English is….complicated. Most news outlets are paywalled and google translate does a pretty terrible job of translating Danish to English. In collaboration with Union and The CPH Post, we bring you The Danish Connection - a new podcast breaking down Danish news in English! This is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark. Hosted by María Eva, Rachel and Melissa, new episodes every second Sunday.

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September 20 · 32 min
Another sperm bank scandal, Danish students receive worst-ever PISA results and a crackdown on Airbnb
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss another scandal unfolding for The European Sperm Bank, with new revelations confirming that banks have been blowing past the legal family limit by as much as four times, while the national regulatory authority responsible for monitoring the banks cannot confirm that family limit checks have ever actually been conducted. We also look at Denmark's new crackdown on Airbnb speculation, as the government moves to fine "shadow hotel" operators up to 100,000 kroner per apartment and force platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to hand over rental data. We unpack the governments plan for a total ban on mobile phones and private screens in Danish primary and lower secondary schools, announced days after Denmark posted its worst-ever PISA results. We ask whether phones are really the problem, or whether Denmark's strong emphasis on digital classrooms, teacher shortages in schools,and years of school reform are the bigger story. 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!
September 6 · 53 min
Denmark and Greenland's genocide dispute, PET's Russian sabotage warning and farmers protest the nitrogen law
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack the long-awaited "spiral case" reports into decades of non-consensual IUD insertions on Greenlandic women and girls — and why the international expert panel split into two conflicting conclusions on whether it amounted to genocide. We discuss PET's warning that Russia has drawn up concrete sabotage plans targeting Denmark, including companies tied to military aid for Ukraine, and what this reveals about the scale of the threat facing Danish defence infrastructure. We talk about the farmers who drove 300 tractors into Copenhagen last week to protest the new nitrogen regulation law, L5, which just passed with a large majority in the Folketing. Plus: Maria Pagola is back with another season of Stories from the Streets. This time she is uncovering "De uskrevne regler," the unwritten rules of Danish life - the things that nobody tells you about, but everybody is expected to know. Rule number one is.....Silence. 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!
September 1 · 39 min
Denmark ends automatic asylum for Ukrainian men and Inger Støjberg's 15 point plan against "Islamic dominance" in schools
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack Denmark's quiet but significant shift on Ukrainian refugees, as men of military age arriving after June 25th will no longer automatically qualify for protection under the special law introduced in 2022. We look at the EU-wide pressure behind the change, and the uncomfortable reality awaiting men sent back: from forced "busification" to documented violence against draft evaders. We discuss Inger Støjberg and Danmarksdemokraterne's package of 15 proposals targeting what the party calls "Islamic dominance culture" in Danish upper-secondary schools, which includes banning puffer jackets, fasting and headscarves to a proposed 25% ceiling on students with a non-Western background. We talk about how the debate connects to the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir's recent outreach to young Muslims, and unpack who Støjberg is, including her conviction by Denmark's Court of Impeachment. Plus, we give a shout out to a volunteer-run Copenhagen choir made up of 19 nationalities, who took home a win at the World Choir Games this month. 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!
August 30 · 40 min
Denmark ends automatic asylum for Ukrainian men and Inger Støjberg's 15 point plan against "Islamic dominance" in schools
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack Denmark's quiet but significant shift on Ukrainian refugees, as men of military age arriving after June 25th will no longer automatically qualify for protection under the special law introduced in 2022. We look at the EU-wide pressure behind the change, and the uncomfortable reality awaiting men sent back: from forced "busification" to documented violence against draft evaders. We discuss Inger Støjberg and Danmarksdemokraterne's package of 15 proposals targeting what the party calls "Islamic dominance culture" in Danish upper-secondary schools, which includes banning puffer jackets, fasting and headscarves to a proposed 25% ceiling on students with a non-Western background. We talk about how the debate connects to the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir's recent outreach to young Muslims, and unpack who Støjberg is, including her conviction by Denmark's Court of Impeachment. Plus, we give a shout out to a volunteer-run Copenhagen choir made up of 19 nationalities, who took home a win at the World Choir Games this month. 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!
August 16 · 40 min
Frederiksen and Meloni's insta collab, a brief history of Pride in Denmark and the problem wolf shot in Jylland
This week on The Danish Connection: We break down Wednesday's heated Folketing debate triggered by Spain's Ceuta crisis, where Mette Frederiksen, Morten Bødskov and Nicolai Wammen faced nearly three hours of questioning from the blue bloc. With calls to suspend Spain from Schengen to old grudges emerging over the handling of the refugee crisis in 2015, we discuss whether this was a genuine crisis management meeting or a piece of political theatre. We also break down the recent social media collaboration between Italy's Meloni and Mette Frederiksen. We also dive into Copenhagen Pride 2026 and dive into the history of Pride in Denmark, which traces its roots back to Stonewall and Denmark's own 1971 demonstrations. We discuss the return of major sponsors like Danske Bank, Google and LEGO after 2024's sponsorship exodus over Gaza. We also unpack what it really means for a company to sponsor Pride, and where the line sits between solidarity and "pinkwashing." We cover Denmark's growing wolf controversy, after a "problem wolf" that had been unsettling residents in West Jutland, including incidents involving children in Nørre Nebel and a runner near Bunken Klitplantage, was tracked down using thermal drones and shot dead near Vestjylland. 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!
August 9 · 38 min
A teenage terror attack attempt in Jutland, SAS expands as the green agenda dwindles, and the PM reacts to Ceuta
We look into SAS's massive expansion plans as demand increases and the green aviation agenda dwindles, while the airline industry's own leaders call climate neutrality targets "a castle in the air." We discuss how travel is changing and what impact transport is having on the environment. We unpack the arrest of three Danish teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, charged under Denmark's terrorism law over an alleged plot to attack Hadsten School near Aarhus with knives and bombs. We look at PET's warnings about a growing, hard-to-categorise wave of online youth radicalisation and the questions still remaining over why this particular school was chosen. We discuss the recent migration incident in Ceuta and PM Mette Frederiksen's threat to suspend Schengen agreements with Spain as tensions rise among EU member states. 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!
July 12 · 1 hr 2 min
Festival gossip, the midwife burnout crisis, a fatal assault at Islands Brygge and the church enters the Danish parliament
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack our experience at Roskilde and discuss some of the stories making the headlines this week in relation to the festival, including hidden cameras in areas where women were urinating, sexual assaults and trash issues. We discuss the fatal assault at a public World Cup screening at Islands Brygge, which resulted in the death of a Swedish man. We talk about how the assault has reignited debates around crime and immigration and unpack the Prime Minister’s social media post about the incident. We talk about a new report highlighting the growing number of Denmark’s midwives leaving the profession just a few years after qualifying, raising questions about burnout, working conditions and how long the system can sustain itself. We unpack the latest figures, the human stories behind them and what it means for the future of maternity care in Denmark. Finally, we discuss the Danish parliament’s decision to introduce a chaplain service for politicians and staff and what its says about the relationship between church and state in Denmark today. 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!
June 14 · 1 hr 4 min
The new government explained, tougher EU migration rules and what degrees give you top salaries in Denmark
This week on The Danish Connection: After months of negotiations following the 2026 election, Denmark finally has a new government. From strict immigration policies, reforms to the pork industry and selective citizenship processes, we break down what is (and isn’t) changing. We are joined by the amazing Nicholas Woolhead who helps us to break it all down. We also look beyond Denmark to the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact, which is set to reshape how borders, asylum applications and deportations are handled across Europe. With faster procedures, increased detention and new “return hubs” outside the EU, we discuss Denmark's role in shaping this policy. Finally, we talk about how much your degree really matters in Denmark and what degrees yield the highest salaries. With salary differences of up to 40,000 DKK a month depending on what you study, we explore which paths open doors and which ones may be trickier, especially if you don’t speak Danish. 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!
May 31 · 31 min
Immigrants struggle to climb Denmark’s wage ladder, shrinking job opportunities and protests in Greenland over new US consulate
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss a new report on immigrants in Denmark’s labour market, and why so many internationals struggle to get out of the bottom of the wage ladder while Danes rise to the top. With employment numbers rising but job vacancies now falling to their lowest level since the pandemic, we explore what this growing competition means for those trying to enter (and stay in) the workforce. We also bring an update on what is happening in Greenland, where the opening of a new US consulate has sparked protests and renewed the debate around sovereignty, foreign influence and Greenland’s growing strategic importance. 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!
May 17 · 58 min
Police fail to investigate cases, ghetto law under scrutiny and social media ban for under 15s
This week on The Danish Connection: We talk about Denmark's controversial 'ghetto law' which has been brought to the European Court of Justice, with residents of Mjølnerparken arguing that the policy discriminates based on ethnicity. As the case moves to the Danish courts, we look at what is happening in Mjølnerparken now, from gang violence and pressuring renters to leave to broader questions about integration and gentrification. We discuss a huge scandal unfolding in the media right now: a major government audit has revealed that Danish police have been closing thousands of cases without investigation while telling victims otherwise. We break down how this practice, known internally as 'case washing', came to light, what the findings show and what it could mean for trust in Danish institutions going forward. We talk about a proposed EU ban on social media for children. With Denmark among the countries pushing for stronger regulation, we unpack what this could look like in practice and the role of tech platforms in young people’s lives. 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!
May 3 · 46 min
A train crash in North Zealand, an increase in Danes using AI for psychological support and concerns over food in Danish elderly homes
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!
April 19 · 51 min
Wolt strikes in Copenhagen, fathers take more parental leave and a US-backed oil drilling project in Greenland
This week on The Danish Connection: We look at the recent strikes by Wolt couriers in Copenhagen, where riders are demanding better pay and working conditions. As many couriers push back against falling wages and rising costs, we explore what this says about the realities of gig economy work and whether “flexibility” truly exists for those relying on these jobs, especially migrants. We also discuss a major shift in Danish family life, as fathers are taking significantly more parental leave than ever before. Following recent policy changes, we unpack how this is reshaping gender roles, workplace dynamics and long-term equality in Denmark. Finally, we dive into new revelations uncovered in a Danwatch investigation about a US-backed oil project in Greenland, despite the country’s decision to halt new oil exploration. With plans moving forward and major investments involved, we discuss the environmental, political and global implications. 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.
March 29 · 57 min
Election results and Noma drama
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack the results of Denmark’s election, which has left the country without a clear government and heading into potentially weeks of negotiations. With a fragmented parliament, a weakened governing coalition and the rise of right leaning parties, we look at what the future government might look like and why Denmark’s complicated citizenship process is such a hot topic right now. We also discuss the controversy everyone is talking about: The Noma abuse allegations. After a major investigation brought forward allegations of emotional and physical abuse in one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, the story sparked an international debate. We unpack the allegations, take a look at Noma’s history and discuss how the culture in high-end kitchens has changed. 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!
March 15 · 37 min
CPH DOX 2026: A conversation with the festival programming team
This week on The Danish Connection, we talk to the programming team of one of the world’s biggest and best documentary festivals happening right now in Copenhagen – CPH:DOX. We speak with Adam and Lars about the history of the festival, what it’s like to work there and how they narrow hundreds of documentary submissions down to the final programme each year. We also explore some of the inner workings of the festival, how this year’s programme reflects the complicated moment we are living in, and we ask about the films they are most excited for audiences to experience. 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!
March 7 · 41 min
8M with La Grupa: Advocating for Spanish-speaking migrant women in Denmark
Kvindernes internationale kampdag This week we have a special episode highlighting the story of La Grupa – an organisation doing amazing work for Spanish-speaking migrant women here in Denmark. What began as a small community space founded around International Women’s Day six years ago has grown into an NGO helping women to navigate everything from loneliness, language barriers and cultural adjustment to housing issues, accessing legal aid and crisis situations. We speak about the importance of solidarity networks for migrant women, why community spaces like this make such a difference when building a life in a new country, and why immigrant perspectives should be more present in Danish politics. 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! *If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, you can contact La Grupa via their website https://www.lagrupa.dk/da or call to 1888 for domestic violence and abuse. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn under the handle LaGrupaDK.
March 1 · 51 min
National elections called by PM, bird flu hits poultry exports, and are we getting less intelligent?
This week on The Danish Connection: Denmark is officially heading into an election after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced voters will go to the polls on March 24. With political parties already positioning themselves and polls pointing to a close race, we unpack why the election was called now and who is in the running so far to become the new Prime Minister. We discuss the bird flu outbreak confirmed in Holbæk Municipality, which has already led to international consequences, including a temporary halt to Danish poultry imports. With this being the second outbreak since October, Danish agriculture is under scrutiny yet again. Finally, we look into a growing public debate about intelligence and modern life. Are people actually becoming less intelligent, or are changing media habits, technology and education simply reshaping how we learn and process information? A recent discussion in Politiken has reignited questions about attention spans and worsening IQs. 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!
February 24 · 33 min
More internationals leave Denmark, exploitation of foreign farm labour and cuts to aid funding
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!
February 14 · 44 min
Dating in Denmark with Erinne Paisley
If you’ve been dating in Denmark, chances are you’ve used a dating app. For some, dating apps are a ticket to love, a wild night, memorable experiences. For others, they can lead to rejection, heartache and even addiction. To mark Valentine’s Day, we sat down with Erinne Paisley, a PhD Fellow at the University of Copenhagen’s Media Studies research group and a former lecturer in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam. Erinne’s research explores dating apps, digital intimacy and feminist media studies. Her most recent publication is a collaborative roundtable paper on Affordances, Diversity and Inclusion in Dating Apps. In this episode, she talks about her research, the power and influence of dating app companies and how technology is reshaping the way we connect, date and form relationships – particularly in a Danish context.
February 8 · 42 min
Lego joins World Cup in U.S as major sponsor, migrants at departure centres may be forced to wear GPS bracelets, angry veterans and a major cocaine seizure linked to Denmark
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss the government’s new deportation reform plan, including plans to use GPS ankle bracelets on foreign nationals with criminal records in departure centres. We also hear from documentary filmmaker and producer Mathilde Kirstein who made a film about one of the most infamous centres, Kærshovedgård. Stay tuned for details about an upcoming screening of her film ‘The Painters Room’. Danish toy giant Lego will be one of the main sponsors of the World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States. At a time when football, politics and migration policy are deeply entangled, can global brands stay neutral in the current geopolitical climate? We look into why the U.S embassy in Copenhagen removed flags symbolising Danish soldiers killed in U.S wars, and the show of solidarity that followed. We also unpack one of the largest cocaine seizures linked to Denmark to date, after 1.3 tonnes of the substance were intercepted in Portugal through coordinated police work involving Danish, Portuguese and Spanish authorities. 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!
February 1 · 35 min
Unemployment reaches 3%, government issues food checks and a bleak future for Danish drinking water
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!

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