As Denmark takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, our approach to migration offers valuable insights for the bloc. Successive Danish governments have implemented some of the most stringent immigration measures, aiming to balance national cohesion with the demands of a globalised world.
For decades, Denmark has pursued a migration policy that is both firm and fair. Residence permits for migrants are almost always temporary with the possibility of extension, and economic migrants must prove financial self-sufficiency.
Our opt-out of the EU’s justice and home affairs co-operation, which includes migration and asylum policy, means that Denmark is not obliged to follow EU-level initiatives like the Asylum and Migration Pact. This means we have been able to lead in innovative approaches to migration.
Our migration policy upholds the principle of protection for those in genuine need, while setting clear boundaries that safeguard public trust and social cohesion. The goal is not to close off Europe, but to maintain a system that works. While our policies are tailored to Denmark, certain principles can inspire broader European solutions.
This article is part of The Parliament's Guide to the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Our model includes temporary asylum statuses and incentives for voluntary return. These measures have significantly reduced asylum applications, with only 860 applications granted in 2024. The importance of integration is emphasised to those who remain, with a focus on employment and self-sufficiency.
Integration at the heart of migration success
Our approach to integration is an important pillar of Danish migration policy. We make clear demands of those who come to Denmark, which involves learning the language, entering the labour market, and respecting democratic norms and social values.
This is not about cultural assimilation; it’s about participation, contribution and mutual respect. Denmark has shown that with clear expectations and the right support, newcomers can thrive.
EU member states should not shy away from making similar demands. Successful integration is essential to maintaining social harmony and public support for migration policies. It requires clarity, courage and consistency.
Fixing the pressure on Europe's external borders
Central to Denmark’s strategy is an insistence that asylum processing should take place as close as possible to the source of displacement – not after dangerous journeys across borders where human smugglers are in control. We advocate for strong partnerships with countries in regions of origin, supporting local capacity and reducing incentives for irregular migration.
This relieves pressure on Europe's external borders and combats the cynical business model of human smugglers. It also allows us to focus on those most in need of protection, rather than those able to reach European soil.
As the EU continues to reform its migration and asylum system, this outside-in model deserves greater attention. A just and effective system should not reward geography or risk-taking, but need and vulnerability. Crucial elements of this feature in the EU’s Asylum and Migration Pact which will be discussed later this year.
International conventions urgently need reform to meet evolving and complex challenges posed by migration. Too often, we find ourselves unable to return criminals to their countries of origin. We must establish binding mechanisms that oblige states to take back their own citizens when they violate the laws of their host country.
As Denmark takes on the presidency of the Council of the EU, we hope to bring a constructive, solutions-oriented mindset to the table. Europe needs to move past ideological divides and focus on what works: effective border management, fair but firm asylum rules, and robust integration frameworks.
Let us show that it is possible to combine compassion with control, solidarity with sovereignty, and values with vigilance. We have a unique opportunity to encourage realistic, values-driven co-operation on migration – not as a challenge to European unity, but as a cornerstone of it.
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