Applications to language programs in higher education have plummeted by 23 percent in a single year, according to data released by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. This alarming decrease encompasses both quota 1 and quota 2 applicants.

Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund has expressed serious concern regarding this trend, emphasizing the fundamental role of language programs in a well-educated society. She stated that the decline has reached a critical point that demands immediate action and has pledged to address the issue.

While the Minister has not yet disclosed specific initiatives or a timeline for their implementation, she underscored the importance of enhancing language skills. Egelund stressed the need for qualified high school teachers to sustain languages like German and French. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of improved mutual understanding in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.