NordenBladet – The United Kingdom has prohibited entry into the country from Denmark starting Saturday following an outbreak of a new coronavirus strain at Danish mink farms, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has said.
Earlier in the week, Denmark decided to cull all its mink population after a mutated strain of the novel coronavirus was found in these animals. The new strain, which can be transmitted to humans, causes weak antibody production potentially undermining the global efforts to develop a vaccine. Some 214 people in northern Denmark were reported to carry the mutation of the coronavirus.
“The [UK Home Office] is also announcing that from 0400, Saturday 7th November, visitors arriving into the UK from Denmark will not be permitted entry into the UK. This means all non-British national or resident travellers who have been in or transited through Denmark in the last 14 days will be denied entry by Border Force upon arrival,” Shapps tweeted.
Meanwhile, the UK citizens and residents will have to self-quarantine for two weeks along with their family members upon returning from Denmark.
On Thursday, the country’s government imposed a four-week lockdown for England to counter a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
NordenBladet – The Danish Government has implemented border control at all of Denmark’s borders as part of the effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. Persons wishing to enter Denmark must expect to be rejected at the Danish borders, including in Danish airports, unless they have a worthy purpose for entering. In the context of trade relations, a worthy purpose (anerkendelsesværdigt formål) for entering is understood as:
Persons residing or working in Denmark, including self-employed entrepreneurs performing work in Denmark
Persons commissioned to deliver goods or services to Denmark or transport goods out of Denmark
It is important to emphasize to all companies working with Denmark that Denmark remains open for business. Freight transport will be able to access Denmark in order to not disrupt the necessary supply chains including food supply, as well as to maintain Denmark’s imports and exports of goods and services from and to other countries that is important to uphold the Danish economy.
“Denmark is taking the necessary steps to address corona. While tourism is temporarily paused, the inflow of goods and services remains open. We remain an outward-looking country open for business.”
Jeppe Kofod, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark
Despite Denmark’s closed borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Danish government has set up fast tracks for import and export of goods and services to guarantee continued cross-border trade between Denmark and foreign companies.
“It is crucial for companies and the Danish society that the borders are open for transportation of goods. The borders will remain open for persons commissioned to provide goods or services in Denmark and trucks will be able to cross the border into and out of Denmark,”
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Jeppe Kofod, continues.
The Danish authorities are continuously assessing the potential need for further measures regarding entry into Denmark. For updates on current measures (in Danish), see the website coronasmitte.dk
NordenBladet – Crown Prince Frederik participated in a digital promotion of business relations between Denmark and the Netherlands after a physical visit to the country was postponed due to COVID-19.
The business promotion has been structured around “Partnering for a Green Transition” and marks the first time a Danish royal visit has been conducted digitally. On Monday, Crown Prince Frederik gave an opening speech at the Industriens Hus in Copenhagen with Danish government ministers and business leaders also participating in events.
Frederik’s speech was streamed for both Danish and Dutch delegates, and he began his speech by noting that 2020 marks the 500th anniversary of Dutch farmers who arrived in Copenhagen. He said that the two countries’ partnership has continued since then and that, “Trade between our countries is increasing and the potential for investments and collaboration between businesses is even greater.
“At the same time, challenges arise from the climate crisis. Never have partnerships and co-creation between friends been more important.
“Present today are Danish and Dutch companies and associations who are world-leading when it comes to green solutions and energy transition. Together they represent the highly specialized expertise we need to create more sustainable societies.”
The digital promotion included three online roundtable discussions, according to the Royal House, to discuss “the business community’s solutions for green conversion of the energy sector.” Other discussion points included “Danish solutions within district heating, energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
Crown Prince Frederik spoke of the Danish Royal Family’s friendship with the Dutch Royal Family, saying that even in 2015, when King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid a state visit to Denmark, “sustainable energy was also top of the agenda, underlining, that this is a subject that preoccupies both our nations.”
The Royal House announced earlier this summer that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary would lead a business delegation to the Netherlands this week; however, it was later postponed due to the pandemic, though digital events would still take place in the interim.
Featured image: Crown Prince Frederik (Mogens Engelund – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)
NordenBladet – Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary have presented their Crown Prince Couple’s Awards, honouring people in culture and social work settings.
The Crown Prince Couple’s Awards consists of four annual awards; the Culture Prize, the Social Prize and two Star Sprinkle Awards in the areas of Culture and Social. The Culture Prize and the Social Prize come with a 500,000 Danish kroner award; the Star Sprinkle winners receive 100,000 Danish kroners each.
The winner of this year’s Culture Prize was Danica Curcic, a rising Danish actress who has appeared in film, television and on stage. Curcic was recognised, said Crown Prince Frederik, because “with a special feeling for the human psyche, [she] throws herself into demanding roles, which she manages to portray in a complex and vivid way.”
The winner of this year’s Social Prize was Kofoed’s School which, since 1928, has helped young people through self-improvement to find jobs, take care of their health and be a part of a community. The school was awarded the prize because it is “a lighthouse that has reinvented itself and shows the way in the social field both nationally and internationally,” said Crown Princess Mary.
The Star Sprinkle Award for Culture was choreographer Sebastian Kloborg for his reinvention of the form and for his “insistence on telling stories through dance and by collaborating with other art forms,” that allows him to “create space for development,” according to Crown Princess Mary.
The Star Sprinkle Award for Social was De Anbragtes Vilkår, a youth organisation that promotes growth and change. The organisation received the award, according to Crown Prince Frederik, because “they are ambitious and strong-willed. It’s about creating change.”
Established in 2004 as a gift to the newlyweds by the Beehive Foundation, the committee behind the awards chooses a pool of nominees with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary selecting the winners on the committee’s advice.
NordenBladet —Tomorrow, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jeppe Kofod, will launch the campaign of current OECD Deputy Secretary-General Ulrik V. Knudsen as Denmark’s candidate for Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
OECD Deputy Secretary-General Ulrik V. Knudsen – former Permanent Secretary of State of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Danish Ambassador to the OECD – has a proven track record in the field of global cooperation and possesses unparalleled insight into the workings of the OECD.
“OECD is a vital international organisation that helps its 37 Member countries and over 100 developing countries envision and craft policies that foster equality, prosperity and new economic and social opportunities. A strong OECD is more important than ever. The OECD needs a proven leader who knows the organisation and its members – the problems, the perspectives and the potential. Ulrik V. Knudsen is that leader,” says Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod.
Ulrik V. Knudsen has more than 25 years of experience in international cooperation and a true global outlook. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to find solutions through compromise and to build fact-based consensus, while maintaining a commitment to delivering excellence and innovation.
The OECD is a key multilateral institution working to establish evidence-based international standards and find solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. The OECD’s role in shaping international economic policy will be more critical than ever in light of COVID-19.
“We need a strong and ambitious OECD – a reliable and evidence-based pillar of multilateral cooperation – putting compromise over ideology, facts over rhetoric and analysis over presumption,” says Ulrik V. Knudsen.
Nominations for the post of Secretary-General of the OECD will close at the end of October, followed by interviews and consultations. Announcement of the new appointment is expected in early 2021.
Press opportunity //
Members of the press are invited to attend Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod’s official launch of Mr Ulrik V. Knudsen as Denmark’s candidate for Secretary-General of the OECD. The Foreign Minister and the Deputy Secretary-General will be available for questions from the press after the official launch.
Date & time: Wednesday 21 October 2020 at 16:30 hrs
Place: Eigtveds Pakhus, Asiatisk Plads 2G, Hall III
Please bring a valid press card.
About the OECD:
The OECD provides a forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis on topics including education, fighting international tax evasion, economic performance, industry and innovation. The OECD also facilitates the exchange of best practices and experiences, and advises on public priorities and international standard-setting.
The OECD comprises 37 Member countries in Europe, North America, Latin America and the Pacific. The work of the OECD also benefits over 100 developing and emerging countries.
Contacts
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Office: pressevagten@um.dk
NordenBladet – The Danish Royal House has released four new official images to mark Prince Christian’s 15th birthday. The photos were taken by Franne Voigt who has taken many images of the family over the years.
The Prince bears a striking resemblance to his father, Crown Prince Frederik, in the portraits shared; however, his smile is very much like his mother, Crown Princess Mary.
Prince Christian, who is second in line to the Danish throne, will one day be the King of Denmark. He was born as Prince Christian Valdemar Henri John on 15 October 2005 as the first child of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. He was born at Rigshospitalet at 1.57 am. He has three younger siblings: Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
His given name Christian also follows tradition as Danish kings have had their names alternate between Frederik and Christian throughout the years. His middle name Henri is the French version and original name of his paternal grandfather, the now late Prince Henrik; additionally, it is the male form of his late maternal grandmother’s name (Henrietta Donaldson died when Crown Princess Mary was 25). The name John comes from his maternal grandfather.
Prince Christian was due to have his confirmation into the Church of Denmark this year; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused this to be postponed. It is expected to eventually take place at Chapel of Fredensborg Palace where his father and paternal grandmother, Queen Margrethe were each confirmed.
A look at Denmark’s future king as he turns 15
Prince Christian Valdemar Henri John came into the world on 15 October 2005 as the first child of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. He was born at Rigshospitalet at 1.57 am and has been second in line to the Danish throne since birth.
As the heir to the throne, a 21-gun salute marked his birth at noon and bonfires were lit in both Denmark and Australia – the latter of which is his mother’s home country. His first few days caused some worry for his parents, and he was hospitalised on 21 October due to neonatal jaundice. Photos of the unnamed prince were released that day that showed him with a yellow tint to his tiny hands and face. After blood tests and time under special coloured light rays, the newborn was cleared to go home that same day.
His christening took place on 21 January 2006 with Prince Joachim of Denmark, his paternal uncle; Jane Stephens, his maternal aunt; Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden; Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway; Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, his father’s first cousin; Jeppe Handwerk and Hamish Campbell, friends of his parents, serving as his godparents. Keeping with Danish royal tradition, his names were not announced until his christening took place.
His given name Christian also follows tradition as Danish kings have had their names alternate between Frederik and Christian throughout the years. His middle name Henri is the French version and original name of his paternal grandfather, the now late Prince Henrik; additionally, it is the male form of his late maternal grandmother’s name (Henrietta Donaldson died when Crown Princess Mary was 25). The name John comes from his maternal grandfather.
The Prince was the first Danish royal to attend nursery school and the first to attend a public state school – Tranegårdskolen – which he began in August 2011. He attends school there alongside his three siblings: Princess Isabella (b. 2007), Prince Vincent (b. 2011), and Princess Josephine (b. 2011).
He is fluent in Danish and his mother’s native English. He and his family alternate Christmases in Denmark and Australia so that the children get to spend as much time as possible with their maternal family.
Prince Christian was due to have his confirmation into the Church of Denmark this year; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused this to be postponed. It is expected to eventually take place at Chapel of Fredensborg Palace where his father and paternal grandmother, Queen Margrethe were each confirmed.
The Crown Prince Couple have worked hard to allow their children time to have a private life. Christian has accompanied his parents on some engagements, including a tour of Greenland, but the teenager has yet to make any type of public speech to the Danish public. It is expected that he will address the public in the coming years as he continues to prepare for his future role.
NordenBladet – Crown Princess Mary participated in the Copenhagen Fashion Summit’s virtual conference earlier this week, appearing in a video on the opening day to discuss sustainability in fashion.
Due to the pandemic, the organisers behind the Copenhagen Fashion Summit decided to host a virtual conference this fall. The conference, which met on Tuesday and Wednesday included a “hybrid of pre-produced premium digital content, live sessions and an online forum” that connected the “fashion industry with the world’s leading innovators to keep the sustainability agenda alive,” according to its website.
“It reflects the times we are living in right now. The worrying times. And it is sad because it’s so nice to meet people from all corners of the globe, to be able to hear everyone’s different reflections and great ideas and innovations, but we’ll continue to do that.
“We have to have respect for the time we’re in. we have to think creatively and innovatively to find ways to keep moving towards the goals of creating a sustainable fashion industry.”
Crown Princess Mary continued: “Even though our priorities have shifted to deal with COVID and manage the crisis, we have to continue to work collectively on achieving the goals we set before COVID.”
The theme of the 2020 Copenhagen Fashion Summit had been set as ‘Redesigning Value,’ though the theme was modified slightly to reflect the effects of the pandemic. “The worldwide pandemic is forcing our industry to undergo a dramatic transformation that is playing out in real-time,” the Summit’s website says, noting that the discussions would discuss how present and future realities will be affected by health and economics and need to navigate the “repercussions of which will be felt for years to come.”
“The fashion industry is a huge employer, and the majority of those employed are women,” Crown Princess Mary said when asked about how the fashion industry has been affected by COVID-19, and how it provides income and financial sustainability to women all over the world.
Crown Princess Mary also spoke of the importance of finding value in clothing, especially in terms of clothing that will last and be sustainably produced. “We’re seeing a much greater market for second-hand, for recycled, for up-cycled, and I’m thinking that this is another value because it tells another history of the product,” she said, talking about how people are viewing this as a way to be environmentally friendly with their clothing.
Featured image: Crown Princess Mary is patron of the Global Fashion Agenda, a partner of the Copenhagen Fashion Summit. She has spoken at every Summit since 2009. (DET DANSKE KONGEHUS)
NordenBladet – Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg has attended a ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Denmark and honouring the fallen members of the Danish resistance. The event in Spentrup should have happened in May, but was postponed due to COVID-19 and took place on October 11th 2020.
Princess Benedikte, younger sister of Queen Margrethe, came without any other royals to the ceremony.
The day started with a service in Spentrup Church where the Princess, together with a number of specially invited guests, listened to actress Bodil Jørgensen, who is known for her role in the movie about the resistance group “The White Stone Group”.
Then the Princess continued to Hvidsten Kro, where she was given a tour of the property and then was served lunch before visiting the memorial site. Wreaths were laid at the memorial stone where eight men from the White Stone Group are buried.
The Danish White Stone Group was a Danish resistance group that, during the occupation, handled the delivery of weapons, ammunition and explosives from English planes. The group was centred on Hvidsten Kro. The group provided a number of other groups with weapons, so that larger operations could be carried out against the German occupation of Denmark. After being reported by a Danish informant, several members of the group were executed in 1944.
May 4th 2020 marked 75 years since the message of liberation came to Denmark. The announcement of the German surrender came on the evening of May 4th, but finally took effect the day after at 8 p.m.
The German invasion of Denmark took place from April 9th 1940, during the Second World War. The attack was a prelude to the main attack against Norway. Denmark’s strategic importance for Germany was limited. The invasion’s primary purpose was to use Denmark as a staging ground for operations against Norway, to secure supply lines to the forces about to be deployed there. An extensive network of radar systems was built in Denmark to detect British bombers bound for Germany.
Featured image: Princess Benedikte of Denmark (MFads Danquah/CC/Flickr)
NordenBladet – Crown Princess Mary participated in a virtual event to celebrate the United Nations’ Girls Day, joining a Danish women’s charity to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted girls’ rights in countries like Uganda and Ethiopia.
The Crown Princess was a guest of the PlanBørnefonden, a charitable organisation that works to support the world’s most “fragile and vulnerable areas to ensure the rights of children and young people and create equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender,” according to its website.
During the discussion, Crown Princess Mary spoke with 21-year-old Faridah from Uganda and 29-year-old Lidya from Ethiopia about their lives and how COVID-19 has impacted them.
“We know that when the crisis hits, the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit, and women and girls are unfortunately often in that group,” said Crown Princess Mary.
Faridah spoke of her focus on ensuring the right to education for young girls after she became pregnant at 14 and struggled to complete her education. She told Crown Princess Mary, “Right now, I am influencing the responsible leaders online and physically to ensure that they ensure that girls have access to education and that they improve the safety of girls. I try to change men’s attitudes and attitudes towards girls because they see us as sex objects. And I encourage the girls to be brave and fight against the injustices they encounter, and go to the police, so we break the circle of silence.”
Crown Princess Mary praised her efforts, saying: “You are such an inspiration, Faridah.”
Lidya spoke of how girls and women are experiencing violence and abuse as a result of the pandemic, telling Crown Princess: “When girls and women are assaulted, they are subsequently afraid of being blamed. Often, if girls are exposed to abuse, harassment or assault, people assume that the girls themselves are to blame.”
“We must first and foremost ensure that girls’ rights are respected and that they are given the opportunity to receive an education,” Crown Princess Mary said at the event, “that they are free from violence, can be healthy and have equal opportunities. They deserve the right to a future that everyone else [has].”
Featured image: Crown Princess Mary (UNRIC/CC/Flickr)
NordenBladet – Crown Princess Mary attended the Danish Rainbow Awards earlier this week to present honorary awards to businesses and organisations that show support for LGBTQ+ people in Denmark.
The Danish Rainbow Awards “should be inclusive and embrace broadly,” according to the organisation’s official website. “That is, it should be an event for both gay, bisexual and transgender people…heterosexuals are of course also welcome. It should also be an event that speaks to young as well as older people. And it must be an event that recognises the work done in the LGBT community throughout Denmark.”
Crown Princess Mary has attended the Danish Rainbow Awards in the past, most recently presenting in 2018. At this year’s ceremony, she presented the Honorary Award to Doris Pollas, one of the founders of ‘The Circle of 1948,’ which later became LGBT+ Denmark.
At the ceremony in Copenhagen, multiple awards were handed out to honour LGBTQ+ people and organisations including the Activist Award (presented to those who work to “promote the rights and equality of LGBT people in society”), the Business Award (presented to a company that “shows in their everyday life that they have a clear LGBT policy”), the Sports Award (presented to an athlete or organisation that provides opportunities to LGBT athletes), the Culture Award (presented to those working in cultural fields who have “made a particularly strong mark in the work for freedom of expression and the right to diversity with a focus on LGBT people”), the Media Award (presented to those in the media who have “made a particularly strong mark in the past year in the work for the rights of LGBT people”).
There is also the Association Award (presented to an organisation “that has made a name for itself in the LGBT community and in the work for the rights of LGBT people”), the LGBT Person of the Year Award, the Retail Award (presented to a retailer who works “with or for the LGBT community”); the Statement/Event/Party Award (presented to those who have hosted “untraditional events, preferably with a socio-political element in or for the LGBT community”), the Music Award (presented to a musician or band that creates on behalf of the LGBT community), the Reader Award (a special award if there is someone who does not fit the existing criteria for awards but has done something worthy of recognition); a Bar/Club Award (presented to a bar or club within the LGBT community); the Hetero/Straight Ally of the Year Award, the Drag of the Year Award, and the Social Media Award.
The Danish Rainbow Awards have been held every year since 2008.
