The Danish government is actively opposing a European Union proposal to classify American mink as an invasive species, a move that could effectively ban mink production in Denmark. The Ministry of Green Transition has sent a memorandum to the Danish Parliament’s European Affairs Committee outlining its stance and seeking support to fight against the EU proposal.

The EU Commission’s proposal is scheduled for a vote on June 20 in the EU’s Committee on Invasive Alien Species, and it is anticipated to receive a qualified majority among member states, potentially rendering Denmark’s opposition ineffective. There are only eight countries in Europe that still have mink production.

The potential ban poses economic concerns for Denmark, where mink production has recently restarted after a nationwide culling in 2020 due to the corona epidemic. The latest figures from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration indicate that there are 12 mink businesses operating across five farms, housing 25,000 American mink. A ban could cost these businesses at least DKK three million unless Denmark secures a special arrangement allowing them to continue.

The Danish government has already spent a significant amount on compensating the mink industry following the 2020 cull. The initial estimate of DKK 15.6 to 18.8 billion has now ballooned to DKK 29.2 billion, with compensation payments still ongoing.

Furthermore, a ban could trigger additional compensation claims from mink farmers, potentially amounting to at least DKK 17 million, due to what the Ministry of Green Transition estimates could be considered expropriation. However, this figure is subject to uncertainty and could be higher.