Denmark proposes loyalty test for citizenship applicants and delays pending bill
The Danish government plans to screen citizenship applicants for anti-democratic views and will postpone the related bill until a full review is completed.
Denmark’s cabinet aims to introduce a vetting system that excludes citizenship seekers holding anti-democratic opinions, such as praise for terrorism, endorsement of sharia law or opposition to LGBT rights, according to Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bødskov. The proposal ties citizenship to loyalty and adherence to principles like freedom, equality and tolerance. An expert group has been tasked with assessing the feasibility of the screening and will report by the end of the year.
The government seeks a broad political pact, including support from parties to the right, before formalising the new rules. Meanwhile, the citizenship bill L 98, which lapsed after the election, will be re-introduced in early 2027 after a comprehensive review of all pending applications, extending the waiting period for those already in process.
Why it matters
It could reshape who can become Danish citizens, affecting immigration policy and integration standards.
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