Denmark: An open economy, but a closed immigration system (part 1) • FRANCE 24 English

Denmark: Defense, Security & Migration – A Shifting Landscape

Key Concepts:

• Hybrid Warfare: A military strategy utilizing disinformation, cyberattacks, and economic pressure alongside conventional warfare.
• Zero Refugee Policy: A restrictive immigration policy aiming to accept as few asylum seekers as possible.
• Media Literacy: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms.
• Integration: The process of incorporating individuals or groups from different backgrounds into a society.
• Populist Parties: Political parties appealing to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elites.
• Conscription: Compulsory enlistment for state service, typically in the armed forces.

I. Defense and Security Concerns – A Wake-Up Call

Denmark, historically considered Eurosceptic, is now a central player in the EU, particularly regarding defense and security. Recent drone incursions, attributed to Russia, around Copenhagen Airport and other locations, have served as a significant “wakeup call” for Danes. These incidents, still under investigation following the European summit in September, highlight a perceived shift towards a more aggressive Russia.

A key argument presented is that Russia is engaging in “hybrid warfare” against the West and the Atlantic alliance, simultaneously building up its military capabilities in preparation for a potential confrontation. While Russia hasn’t explicitly decided to initiate conflict, it is preparing for the possibility. Denmark’s strong support for Ukraine and its membership in NATO are viewed as threats by Russia.

There is internal debate within Denmark regarding Prime Minister Frederickson’s strong rhetoric towards Russia, with some arguing it unnecessarily provokes attention. However, proponents of the tough stance believe it’s crucial to openly condemn aggression and counter Russian disinformation.

The need for a comprehensive defense strategy is emphasized, encompassing increased military personnel (through conscription), technological advancements, and enhanced mental preparedness. The perspective is that the world is no longer in a state of “peace,” but rather exists “in between” peace and war.

II. The Threat of Disinformation and Foreign Interference

Despite high levels of media literacy, Denmark is not immune to foreign interference, particularly through disinformation campaigns. An example cited is a fabricated tweet attributed to Danish MP Kashung, suggesting Russia should be consulted regarding Greenland. This attempt aimed to sow discord about Danish political unity and undermine its international standing.

Fact-checking organizations like “Check Day” actively monitor social media for fake news, utilizing software to identify keywords associated with propaganda. A manipulated interview with the Danish Prime Minister, falsely claiming she had conceded defeat in Ukraine, was another instance of disinformation.

Statistics reveal that 43% of Danes express concern about fake news, though this figure is lower than in other Nordic countries. The concern is that the spread of misinformation erodes trust and distorts public perception.

III. Migration Policy – A Hard Line and Social Democratic Justification

Migration is a central issue in Denmark, and the country has adopted a particularly restrictive approach, even surprising observers in other parts of Europe. The ruling Social Democrats, in coalition with more right-wing parties, maintain a “tough line” on asylum seekers, justified by a desire to protect Denmark’s welfare society.

The argument is that a large influx of refugees can strain integration resources and disproportionately impact lower-income communities. Maddie Bier from the Liberals emphasizes the difficulties of integrating individuals from vastly different cultures, citing concerns about gender equality and adherence to Danish values of freedom and democracy.

Denmark’s immigration policy is characterized by strict language and employment requirements. In 2024, only 864 asylum applications were approved – a 40-year low. This policy has led to a sense of insecurity among migrants with temporary residence permits, unsure of their future.

The “zero refugee policy” pursued by Prime Minister Frederickson since 2019 is linked to the rise of the far-right Danish People’s Party in 2015, which prompted the Social Democrats to adopt more restrictive policies to regain voter support. This dynamic illustrates a broader trend across Europe, where social democratic parties are shifting towards stricter immigration policies to maintain power.

IV. Social Impact and Integration Challenges

The restrictive immigration policies and harsh rhetoric have had a negative impact on migrants living in Denmark. Jawaha, a Syrian refugee who has lived in Denmark for ten years, expresses anxiety about her future and a lack of feeling welcomed by politicians.

A recent study revealed that 27% of Danes believe individuals with migrant backgrounds have a criminal conviction, a significantly higher figure than the actual rate of 3.5%. This demonstrates the impact of political discourse and misinformation on public perception.

However, examples of successful integration exist, such as the Norro United football club, which fosters community and respect among children from diverse backgrounds. The club’s motto, “pugllet” (no one goes home crying), emphasizes inclusivity and positive social interaction.

V. EU-Wide Implications and Future Trends

Denmark’s restrictive immigration policies have influenced EU-wide discussions, leading to tighter rules, including the establishment of return hubs outside the EU for rejected asylum seekers.

The case of Simon Nava, a Muslim politician who faced scrutiny regarding her loyalty to Denmark, highlights a concerning trend of racism and character assassination based on religious affiliation. The lack of unified political support for Nava underscores a reluctance to challenge anti-migration sentiment.

Notable Quotes:

• “We are looking at a still more aggressive Russia…waging what we would call hybrid warfare against the West.” – Danish Official
• “It helps Russia when we’re discussing whether it’s good or not [to take a tough stance on Russia].” – Danish Official
• “We still have problems with immigration in Denmark. It is really really hard to integrate people that are from totally different cultures and backgrounds than the Danish background.” – Maddie Bier, Liberal Party
• “If you want to live in Denmark, you have to abide by our values, freedom and democracy.” – Maddie Bier, Liberal Party
• “We have to teach our children to respect each other. Respect is something we are not always born with.” – Football Club Representative

Conclusion:

Denmark is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, responding to perceived threats from Russia through increased defense spending and a firm stance on security. Simultaneously, the country is grappling with internal debates about immigration and integration, adopting increasingly restrictive policies driven by both political pragmatism and concerns about social cohesion. The Danish experience offers a case study in the challenges facing European nations as they balance national security, social welfare, and the integration of diverse populations in an era of rising populism and disinformation.