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TODAY IN DENMARK

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the latest news on Friday

The latest Easter weather forecast, new Danish study looks at relation between being overweight and bullying for children, and other news making the headlines in the country on Friday.

Copenhagen coffee
The latest weather forecasts indicate milder temperatures this weekend. Photo by Sarah on Unsplash

Denmark’s weekend weather outlook

This Saturday, Denmark will likely see a spike in temperatures, although recent forecasts suggest a slight downturn compared to earlier projections.

Initial forecasts hinted at temperatures soaring up to 20 degrees over the weekend, raising hopes for warm Easter weather.

READ MORE: The complete guide to Easter in Denmark

However, the latest forecasts indicate milder temperatures, aligning more closely with the early timing of Easter this year.

While some optimism remains, with certain forecasts hinting at warmer weather in parts of the country, meteorologist Anders Brandt told DR that variability should be expected during the Easter period.

The southernmost regions may experience temperatures of 15 to 16 degrees on Saturday, while the rest of the country can expect to see 12 to 14 degrees.

“Some forecasts still point to up to 17 degrees on Saturday, but you’ll have to go further south to ensure you get some of the warm weather,” Brandt said.

Sunday and Monday won’t be chilly; however, they’re expected to be cooler than Saturday. According to the forecasts, temperatures will range between 10 and 13 degrees.

Danish study: Overweight children face bullying and academic challenges

Overweight children in Denmark are more susceptible to bullying and social isolation, starting from early school years, according to new research from the National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare (VIVE).

The study highlighted that overweight and severely obese children are at a higher risk of underperforming academically in later grades.

They experience higher rates of absenteeism, perform worse in final exams, are more likely to opt out of further education, and encounter difficulties entering the job market.

Based on data collected from school measurements of children aged 7 to 14, combined with well-being assessments and later academic and career choices, the research also pointed to a correlation between childhood experiences of bullying and discrimination and future life outcomes.

Teenage boys arrested for stabbing 23-year-old in Valby, Copenhagen

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, have been arrested for a stabbing incident that occurred last night in the Valby neighbourhood of Copenhagen.

According to the Copenhagen Police, the boys were charged with aggravated assault after attacking a 23-year-old man.

Investigation manager Jesper Schroll disclosed that the victim didn’t suffer life-threatening injuries.

Despite ongoing investigations, Schroll said that there’s no evidence suggesting any gang-related motives behind the attack.

Danish Armed Forces consider prioritising women and ethnic minorities for jobs

The Danish Armed Forces are exploring new measures to attract more women and ethnic minorities to their ranks.

In a draft for a new diversity strategy obtained by DR, the Ministry of Defence’s Personnel Agency proposed giving special consideration to women and individuals from non-Danish ethnic backgrounds for certain job roles.

The strategy outlined various initiatives, including revising recruitment processes to use gender-neutral language, ensuring diverse representation in recruitment committees, and exploring methods like anonymising applicants.

With only 18.4% of its workforce being women and minimal representation of ethnic minorities, this initiative marks a significant departure for the Danish Armed Forces, noted Bjarke Oxlund, a Roskilde University professor who called it a “very big breakthrough” in public sector equality and diversity efforts.

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TODAY IN DENMARK

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the news on Friday

Ukraine aid boosted, budget surplus largest in the EU, businesses and schools take Great Prayer Day off and more news from Denmark this Friday.

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the news on Friday

Denmark boosts Ukraine military aid by $630 million

The government said yesterday it was adding 4.4 billion kroner ($630 million) for military aid to its Ukraine aid fund as Kyiv pleads Western allies for more support against Russia’s invasion.

The fund was set up to distribute aid to Ukraine between 2023 and 2028, with the latest commitment bringing the total of military aid Denmark has pledged to 64.8 billion kroner.

“Denmark has since the start of the war been one of the most active donor nations,” Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement, reported by news agency AFP.

“We will continue to do so and therefore I am pleased that a large majority of the parties of the Folketing (Denmark’s parliament) are supporting us adding a further 4.4 billion kroner for military aid in 2024 to the Ukraine fund,” he said.

Vocabulary: militærstøtte – military aid

Denmark has EU’s largest budget surplus

Denmark’s public finances have repeatedly resulted in a surplus for the state in recent years.

Last year saw Denmark’s state revenues exceed costs by 87.1 billion kroner or 3.1 percent of BNP according to Statistics Denmark.

The state surplus has now been the largest or joint-largest in the EU for five consecutive years, with Cyprus equal to Denmark this year, broadcaster DR reports.

Only four EU countries had a budget that ended in surplus last year: Denmark, Cyprus, Portugal and Ireland. Some 16 of the 27 member states were within the target 3 percent budget deficit.

Vocabulary: offentlige finanser – budget/public finances

Schools and businesses defy government to mark Great Prayer Day

Today is Great Prayer Day, but no longer a national holiday after the government changed the law last year.

Nevertheless, a notable number of businesses around the country have decided to give their employees the day off, media including DR and Avisen Danmark report.

“When the government decides to take something away from my employees, I want to  give it back, and I stand by that,” Paw Kristensen, owner of Kolding transport firm 3P Logistics, told Avisen Danmark.

The decision will reportedly cost the company around 100,000 kroner.

A count by Radio4 meanwhile found that 11 of Denmark’s 98 municipalities have opted to close schools today.

Vocabulary: at fjerne noget – to take something away

Government to ban import of clothes containing ‘forever chemical’ PFAS

The government plans to introduce a national ban on the harmful ‘forever chemical’ PFAS in clothing and shoes.

“A national ban on the import and sale of clothes, shoes and waterproofing agents with PFAS is an important step on the way to limiting its emissions and will have a genuine environmental effect in Denmark,” Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke said in the statement.

Clothing, shoes and waterproofing agents are among the largest sources of PFAS in Denmark’s environment, according to the ministry.

Non-PFAS containing products are available as alternative options on the market, making a ban viable, it said in the statement.

Vocabulary: imprægnerende midler – waterproofing agents

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