Denmark to push for stricter EU migration policies – Yahoo

Report on Denmark’s Migration Policy and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Denmark’s stringent migration policies are increasingly influencing European Union (EU) regulations. As Denmark assumes the EU presidency on July 1, it aims to advocate for tougher EU-wide migration rules, particularly concerning asylum procedures and legal appeals. This report analyzes Denmark’s migration stance with a focus on its implications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Denmark’s Migration Policy Priorities

Denmark’s European Affairs Minister, Marie Bjerre, emphasized the link between migration policy and security, advocating for controlled migration flows to ensure a safer and more stable Europe. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen aims to build consensus on:

1. Externalizing asylum procedures outside Europe.
2. Restricting the scope of rulings from the European Court of Human Rights.

These priorities reflect Denmark’s intention to reduce the influx of migrants and expedite the return of those without legal residency rights.

Context and Demographic Changes

• The proportion of inhabitants of foreign origin in Denmark has increased from 3.3% in 1985 to 16.3% in 2025.
• Denmark seeks to limit immigration to protect its cradle-to-grave welfare system.
• Simultaneously, the demand for foreign labor has surged, with work permits doubling in less than a decade, though these permits can be revoked swiftly.

Challenges in Refugee Integration

Refugees in Denmark receive renewable one-year residency permits and are encouraged to return home once deemed safe. This creates a complex integration environment:

• Refugees are expected to integrate while remaining prepared to leave at any time, described as a “contradictory or schizophrenic situation.”
• High demands for permanent residency and a focus on return policies complicate integration efforts.

Political Shift and Social Implications

• Since 2014, Prime Minister Frederiksen has shifted her party’s migration policy rightward, aligning with previous right-wing governments.
• Non-Western immigration is framed as Denmark’s “biggest challenge.”
• There are societal tensions, including perceptions of Muslims as threats to Denmark’s liberal culture.

Externalizing Asylum Procedures

Denmark champions a “zero refugee” policy, aiming to externalize asylum processing outside Europe. Key points include:

• In 2024, Denmark accepted only 860 refugees, a significant decrease from 2015.
• Plans to process asylum requests abroad, possibly in Rwanda, were halted to seek EU-wide solutions.
• Denmark, along with Italy and other countries, seeks to reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights to allow more restrictive migration policies.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Denmark’s migration policies intersect with several SDGs, including:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Restrictive migration policies may exacerbate inequalities faced by migrants and refugees, hindering social inclusion.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Efforts to limit the scope of human rights rulings and reinterpret conventions challenge established legal protections for migrants.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The increased demand for foreign labor juxtaposed with strict immigration controls creates a complex labor market dynamic.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Integration challenges may affect the mental and physical health of refugees and migrants.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Denmark’s push for EU-wide migration reforms underscores the need for multilateral cooperation to address migration sustainably.

Conclusion

Denmark’s migration policies, characterized by strict controls and externalization ambitions, present significant challenges to the achievement of inclusive and equitable development as envisioned by the SDGs. While aiming to safeguard national welfare systems and security, these policies risk undermining social cohesion, human rights protections, and international cooperation frameworks. The upcoming Danish EU presidency will be pivotal in shaping the future of migration governance in Europe, with profound implications for sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article discusses migration policies, integration challenges, and the treatment of refugees and immigrants, which relate to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The focus on asylum handling, legal appeals, and reinterpretation of human rights conventions relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions the need for foreign labor and work permits, linking migration to economic growth and employment.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (implied) – Although not explicitly mentioned, migration and refugee policies impact health and well-being of migrants and refugees.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty (implied) – Migration policies affect poverty levels among refugees and immigrants.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 10 – Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
2. SDG 16 – Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
4. SDG 8 – Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers.
5. SDG 1 – Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Number of refugees accepted: The article states Denmark accepted 860 refugees in 2024, compared to a much higher number in 2015, which can be used to measure migration intake (related to SDG 10.7).
• Number of work permits issued and revoked: The doubling of work permits and their revocation rate indicate labor market integration and protection of migrant workers (related to SDG 8.8).
• Residency permit renewals and revocations: The issuance and revocation of residency permits for refugees reflect asylum policies and legal access (related to SDG 16.3 and 10.7).
• Legal appeals and asylum handling procedures: Efforts to restrict legal appeals and externalize asylum procedures relate to access to justice and rule of law (SDG 16.3).
• Integration indicators: Challenges in integration due to temporary protection and return policies imply measuring social inclusion and equality (SDG 10 and 16.b).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com