Denmark Under Scrutiny for Alleged Racism in Anti-Ghetto Policy at EU Court

Denmark faced racism allegations at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for its practice of demolishing neighborhoods with a high minority population to encourage integration.

Copenhagen introduced a “ghetto package” in 2018, aimed at significantly changing certain residential zones by tearing down social housing to relocate residents.

The country has successfully integrated immigrants from non-Western countries, with high language skills and employment rates among the immigrant community.

Despite the success, Denmark’s strict immigration policies have sparked criticism, especially from those impacted by the 2018 plan.

The case questions the use of the term “ethnic origin” to categorize neighborhoods as “ghettos,” which is viewed as racially discriminatory.

Denmark classifies areas with over 1,000 residents as ghettos if more than 50% are “immigrants and their descendants from non-Western countries” and meet certain criteria related to education, income, crime, and employment.

A group of residents from Copenhagen’s Mjolnerparken area filed a lawsuit against the Danish Ministry of Social Affairs in 2020 after facing eviction.

In 2023, a Danish court sought an initial ECJ hearing to determine if the term “ethnic origin” encompasses individuals with a “non-Western” background and whether this constitutes discrimination.

Eddie Khawaja, a lawyer for the residents, expressed that his clients feel stigmatized.

“They find it offensive that they are constantly referred to as residents of ghetto areas in everyday conversations, legislation, and political proposals,” mentioned Khawaja.

The Denmark Ministry of Social Affairs declined to comment on ongoing cases.

Upon the ECJ’s decision, the Danish court will implement the ruling accordingly.

Recently, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted immigration as a significant issue in Europe, stating that tough measures are needed to address the situation.

She has been the country’s prime minister since 2019, leading the Social Democratic Party since 2015.

Many European countries are witnessing a surge in support for parties advocating for reduced immigration, with Denmark being seen as a trailblazer in taking a firm stance on the matter.

Last year, Denmark revoked residency permits for Syrian refugees, claiming certain parts of Syria were safe for return before retracting the decision following international criticism.

In 2021, the country passed a law allowing the transfer of refugees to asylum centers in partner nations like Rwanda, a move criticized by the European Commission.

Copenhagen also provides monetary incentives for some immigrants to voluntarily return to their home countries and has contemplated detaining illegal immigrants on a remote island.

Reuters contributed to this report.