Denmark is grappling with significant demographic changes driven by high immigration rates and low fertility rates, potentially leading to a future where immigrants and their descendants form the majority of the population. This projection, highlighted by Professor Rune Lindahl-Jacobsen, assumes current trends in immigration and birth rates will persist.

The country recently surpassed six million inhabitants, with immigration being a primary factor in this growth. This demographic shift has sparked discussions across the political spectrum, including within left-leaning circles, about the implications for Danish society and values. Concerns are being raised about social control, extremism, and pressures on traditional Danish and Western values linked to Muslim immigration.

While awareness of the challenges posed by these demographic shifts is growing, concrete and effective solutions remain elusive. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is spearheading efforts at the European level to address legal obstacles related to immigration, but progress is slow.

The government is also pursuing domestic policy initiatives, yet these efforts are often perceived as hesitant. A recent example of symbolic politics involved the Prime Minister’s criticism of prayer rooms in educational institutions, which ultimately led to dialogue rather than a ban.

To preserve its national identity, Denmark needs to take more decisive action against Islamist practices and implement stricter immigration controls. While Denmark has been a pioneer in foreign and integration policy compared to other European nations, it must maintain momentum and continue developing ambitious and effective solutions to address the challenges posed by these demographic shifts.