After an unpredictable election, the Danish people have just elected a single-party, minority government. The entire government is comprised of members of the Venstre party, a centre-right party. The issue of immigration was central to the election and other European countries were uncertain what to expect from Denmark. This is why Jensen declared that it was important for him to “quickly speak with our neighbours, and most importantly our European co-operation partners”. He assured Steinmeier that the Danish new immigration policy will be conducted within the framework of the Schengen space, as Denmark remains committed to the ideal of passport-free movement within the European Union.

Germany was the first country Jensen visited because of the close cultural, political and economic ties between the two nations. Indeed, Germany is Denmark’s main trading partner and primary export destination. Cultural ties are also very important between the two neighbours. German is the most studied language in Danish schools after English. The country is also home to more than 3000 Danish artists.

Currently, the work of three Danish artists can be viewed at “Die Farb-Freude Explosion Exhibition” in Berlin which opened on Monday 29th (see link below for more information). The two nations have also created a common fund called the “German-Danish Coproduction Development Initiative” to finance film projects co-produced by Danish and German artists.

The Danish foreign minister will continue his trip by meeting with his other European partners. We can certainly expect more visits to Berlin in the following years of his tenure given the special historical relationship between Denmark and Germany.

• Link: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Aussenpolitik/Laender/Laenderinfos/Daenemark/Bilateral_node.html
• Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1626980357517694/

News from Berlin
Chloé Francisco, Berlin Global