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CPHPOST.DK 9 - 15 December 2016
COMMONS CAUSE NEWS More important things to think about than Greater Copenhagen 2 NEWS
Shuffling the pack Only five ministers retain their posts as new blood comes in
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Educated foreigners an asset if you can attract them CHRISTIAN WENANDE
BUSINESS The government might be failing, but employers are getting it right
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Making the (Bel)grade How a Danish decision bodes well for Serbia’s EU hopes
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And highly-skilled workers who come to Denmark with their families on average stay for 10 years, bringing a total surplus of almost 2.2 million kroner to the public finances.
Huge total surplus THOSE who come alone on average stay in Denmark for about 5.5 years, bringing a total surplus of around 720,000 kroner to the state coffers.
Is Deutsche Bank one? HOWEVER, attracting them is easier said than done, particularly as so few know anything about what Denmark has to offer. According to this year’s DI Global Talent Survey, young adults abroad aged 18-35 have severe difficulty naming a Danish company. Some 2,500 students and employees were interviewed in the US, UK, China, Germany and Poland – five of Denmark’s top 10 export markets – and only 13 percent could name one, while 5 percent could name two.
HETHER they come from Madrid, Mumbai or Montevideo, highly-skilled foreign workers boost state coffers when they come to Denmark. A new report from the thinktank DEA on behalf of the confederation of Danish industry, Dansk Industri, reveals they contribute millions of kroner to the state during their stay. “They are clearly good for business for the Danish state,” said Claus Aastrup Seidelin, a chief economist with DEA.
More marketing! COWI CHIEF executive LarsPeter Søbye, the chair of the advisory board at DI Global Talent, contends that the Danish government needs to do more, and DI has drawn up an action plan for it to follow. Denmark, said Søbye, should highlight the opportunity to influence your work, the flat company hierarchies and excellent work/life balance. It can also utilise Scandinavia, he continued, as a stamp of quality, and highlight the easy access to forests and beaches, low crime rates and a unique welfare model. “My point is that we have to treat Denmark as if it were a business: draw up a plan, invest in it, follow up on it, adjust it and measure our results,” he said.
THE COPENHAGEN MBA TRIPLE-ACCREDITED AND TOP RANKED BY ECONOMIST & BLOOMBERG Apply by: 2 January 2017 Open house:16 November 2016 Visit www.cbs.dk/ftmba to learn more!
Bjørn named captain THOMAS Bjørn will captain the European Ryder Cup team at the next staging of the biennial tournament in Paris in 2018. Bjørn, 45, a vice-captain on four occasions and player on three (all of them victories), described it as “one of the greatest days” in his career. He is the fourth player from outside the British Isles to take the job.
Policeman shot in head A POLICEMAN is in a critical condition after being shot in the head on Tuesday morning outside Albertslund Police Station. A 26-year-old man previously known to the police as “crazy” is under arrest. The incident followed a report that the police used half as much pepper spray and other weapons during arrests in 2015.
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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
9 - 15 December 2016
Greater Copenhagen: lesser importance
ONLINE THIS WEEK New culinary venue A NEW CULINARY venue, Madkulturens Hus (house of food culture), will open on top of the entrance to Frederiksberg Allé’s future Metro station once the new City Circle Line is finished in the summer of 2019. Designed by Cobe, it will occupy the first two floors of an eight-storey building.
Monitored by drones OVER THE last three weeks, drones have been monitoring car-parking habits in Copenhagen to find out why and how often motorists use carparks and parking spaces. Supplemented by interviews, the data will establish the demand for spaces from both residents and commuters, and how to improve the use of carparks.
Multiethnic market COPENHAGEN’S mayor Frank Jensen has said that a new street food market in Nørrebro, which will mainly employ multiethnic residents in the city district, will “strengthen the community”. Verdenshjørnet (the corner of the world) will be based at Skodagrunden on the corner of Lygten and Frederikssundsvej.
Shot in Magasin A FEMALE bystander was shot at the Magasin department store in Lyngby on November 22. Her wounds were superficial and she was discharged from hospital the next day. The target, a member of the Satudarah gang, was also wounded. Innocent bystanders have also been hit by gunfire in Emdrup and Christiania this autumn.
Scania public switching off the idea in droves
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Less interest SUPPORT to build a fixed link between Helsingborg and Helsingør, meanwhile, has fallen from 44 percent in 2011 to 36 percent in 2015.
Gang neighbours
The Swedes on the other side of the Sound think it’s a bridge too far
Following developments in Copenhagen has also become less important to residents in Scania – interest fell from 45 percent in 2011 to 43 percent in 2015. Message failure “PERHAPS the regional co-operation should focus more on the
Along with its new Metro station, Rådhuspladsen is getting close to 100 trees
A NUMBER of incidents, including the discovery of a flick-knife in a residential garden in Vanløse, have increased the scrutiny on the Justice Ministry ahead of its recommendations this month on how to deal with gangs living in residential neighbourhoods.
Forgotten in forest A TWO-YEAR-OLD boy on a day-trip to a forest in Ishøj was accidentally left behind by a kindergarten for two and a half hours. It was only when his mother arrived at Hestestalden in Vesterbro to pick him up that the staff realised the error. The boy was found crying in the dark.
Spotlight in town BRITISH politician Nigel Farage and the Spotlight Team from the Boston Globe – were in town last week for News Xchange, the world’s largest news industry conference, which was hosted by DR and attracted 600 participants.
CHRISTIAN WENANDE
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Climate award honour Looking picturesque ... until New Year’s Eve
Plenty of trees THE CONGESTED bus area across from Politikens Hus will be moved out to HC Andersens Boulevard and replaced by a two-way bicycle path and green
area. As many as 76 trees will be planted in the square, including Norwegian maples, Japanese rowans, red chestnuts, robinias and metasequoias.
Copenhagen has been awarded a prestigious C40 Cities Award for its management and protection plan aimed at preventing flooding. The Danish capital has already signed co-operation deals with other cities – such as New York and Washington – that want to learn from its cloudburst protection.
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tangible benefits: jobs, housing and the opportunity to travel by plane from Copenhagen Airport,” Jesper Falkheimer, a professor of strategic communications at Lund University, told News Øresund. “Then it would become a more concrete discussion in the region.”
New-look city hall square in 2019 OPENHAGEN Municipality has approved the final plan for the newlook Rådhuspladsen, the city hall square, when it is officially reopened with a new Metro station in 2019. The iconic dragon water fountain, Dragespringvandet, will have a more central position and be reunited with the 14-metre wide outer basin that was originally added to it in 1908, but which has since been removed.
New hippo at zoo A FEMALE hippo surprisingly gave birth to a healthy 40-50 kilo calf on the night of November 23-24 at Copenhagen Zoo. There were no discernible signs she was pregnant, noted the zoo.
LUCIE RYCHLA
OST SWEDES living in Scania couldn’t care less whether their region collaborates with the Danish capital to form a ‘Greater Copenhagen’ or an ‘Øresund’ area, according to a survey by the SOM Institute in Gothenburg. Quizzed ahead of the introduction of the border controls in the autumn of 2015, a 71 percent majority said they did not care one way or the other about the ongoing partnership, while 14 percent said it was ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’.
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4 Is privatisation looming for the park of the people? COVER
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
9 - 15 December 2016
THOMAS ROUSING
If you haven’t yet discovered it, you needn’t leave Copenhagen to experience nature. Within Amager lies a piece of the wild, making it easy for you to forget you are even in the city. But how might this picture change in the near future? ASHLEY SMALLEY
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HE CLUE is in the name. The nature reserve Amager Fælled translates as ‘Amager commons’, and it is indeed a public space of undeniable benefit to the capital – a true park of the people. Blessed with a unique topography, it sits in a low position, playing a critical role in the absorption of rainwater, and it is also the home of many species distinctive to the region. Whether you are a bird watcher, a jogger or someone who likes to barbecue in the summertime as Amager Fælled is adored by Copenhageners as it offers something for everybody. But now its very future is threatened. Savage, shitty, special AMAGER Fælled’s ambiance wasn’t always idyllic. During Christian IV’s reign, much of the area was used for military purposes, even executions. Danes still use the expression “Amager, halshug!” (Amager, beheading!) when swearing, as truthfully as possible as if they were under oath. And a decent reputation proved hard to come by as Amager became known as ‘Lorteøen’ (shit island) due to the city’s latrines being emptied there. During the 20th century, the western part of Amager Fælled was used as a landfill. But as the century progressed, this picture of Amager finally began to change as it transformed from an unpleasant place into an urban sanctuary. During the 1970s, the city regarded Amager Fælled as a special green area. It was officially opened to the public in 1984, and was preserved in 1992. But just one day after its preservation, Parliament adopted the Ørestad Act, which compromised some of its protection. Despite everything, much of the land has remained untouched for 5,000 years. There
In the heart of the city, let your imagination run wild
are some structures and filled-up spaces from past activities, but most of it is a pristine space – especially the side of Amager Fælled that lies adjacent to Ørestads Boulevard. Copenhagen is known for being sustainably-minded, especially when it comes to green spaces. There are many parks in the city, but Amager Fælled is a genuine piece of nature: a green space that connects the community, making it as socially vibrant as it is ecological. Under pressure ACCORDING to the City of Copenhagen's population predictions, Copenhagen will have grown by 11,000 inhabitants by the end of this year, and by 100,000 by 2027. A larger urban population inherently means there is a greater demand to develop the city, and particularly for housing. This means there is tremendous pressure to build on undeveloped spaces all over Copenhagen, and Amager Fælled is in a prime spot. There are various plans ex-
pected to take place in Amager Fælled, including a new main road called the Havnetunnel (harbour tunnel), as well as a new caravan park for camping and more paved bike paths. But one development, the construction of 2,500 new apartments that is expected to start early 2018, is causing great controversy. Right now, it is still going through a political process, but potential environmental and social threats are raising concern amongst the community. Friends in time of need SINCE developers By & Havn announced the housing project, politicians and members of their community members have started uniting in opposition. The main worry is that the new apartments will be built in Amager Fælled’s most biodiverse area. One of the main groups involved, Amager Fælled Venner (friends), is working hard to inform the public about the dangers of these expected plans
and to encourage politicians to protect the area. According to member Steffen Rasmussen, a system developer at Copenhagen University, it is time for Amager residents to take a stand in their own backyard. “My daughter had a school project about climate change, and she asked me why don’t we do anything about it?” he said. “What about our little world here? We need to take a stance.”
“My daughter had a school project about climate change, and she asked me why don’t we do anything about it?. What about our little world here? We need to take a stance.” Deep impact feared SCIENTISTS have already warned the project will create irreversible impacts. One of the issues would be flooding due to Amager Fælled’s low position.
In addition, there would be the elimination of critical habitats and species, and potential contamination throughout the construction process and even in the long-term. The closeness of the project to surrounding areas – for example, a nearby lake that many bird species inhabit – could also be devastating. Another Amager Fælled Venner member, Frej Schmedes, a nature photographer, warns that animals in the area are very shy and would disappear entirely – even if just 15 percent of the land were removed. There is also the concern that the area will change socially as people’s freedom to use the space diminishes. Rasmussen emphasises the word ‘Fælled’, and how this common space will inevitably become more privatised. Amager Fælled Venner has received great support from the community. On September 18, thousands of people joined hands in a demonstration along the construction border. “We were perceived as not having a chance, but suddenly the movement just grew with support from many people and local organisations,” enthused Rasmussen “A lot of people care – not just the hippies.” At loggerheads THE MUNICIPALITY is only willing to listen if alternatives are suggested, and there are several. The Rune Veile architecture firm has presented a solution that would divert the construction away from Amager Fælled and build on existing developments in Ørestad instead. Other suggestions would place apartments and shops underneath the Metro and in between buildings already there. But no mutual ground has yet been reached, and the activists are dismissive of the developers’ commitment to preserving the microculture by replanting seeds from the site in other parts of the commons. “If they want an ordinary park, that is possible, but not the same wildness that exists here right now,” warned Rasmussen. It would appear there is a long way to go until they reach common ground.
NEWS
9 - 15 December 2016
Ghetto areas lacking GPs
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CCORDING to DR, 15 out of the 25 areas on Denmark's contentious 'Ghetto List' for troubled neighbourhoods don't have a general practitioner in the area. Vulnerable suffering EXPERTS expressed concern that the areas' vulnerable citizens – the elderly, handicapped, chronically-ill and poor – could be severely affected. Danske Regioner admitted that an issue exists, confirming it was taking steps to correct the problem. One solution could be to make it more attractive to become a GP in the vulnerable areas.
25 marginalised neighbourhoods where people tend to be poorly educated and unemployed and there are a disproportionate number of immigrants from a non-Western background. Last week it was revealed that four areas had escaped the list, but four new ones had been added, including Bispeparken in Copenhagen. In December 2014, the number of areas fell from 33 to 31, and then to 25 last year.
Still 25 areas ABOUT 60,000 people live in one of the
No religion in surgery IN RELATED news, a Danish-led study of several nations has revealed that just 10 percent of Danish doctors would practise their religion in the workplace. In contrast, 30 percent in Austria and nearly 60 percent in the US would say a prayer if asked to. (CW)
Boom to bring gloom
Field of cloth of gold
MATERNITY wards are under pressure from budget cuts and over-worked staff due to a lack of resources, and now Danmarks Statistik is predicting a 21 percent rise in the number of births over the next nine years. Experts are warning this will compromise safety.
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have started excavating a field near Ribe in south Jutland where three amateur archaeologists uncovered Denmark’s largest gold treasure from the Viking era earlier this year. The high number of precious finds suggests the site used to be very wealthy.
Far fewer AIDS deaths
Pollinator protection
AIDS FATALITIES have fallen from nearly 200 a year in the 1990s to just three last year, according to the Statens Serum Institute. The decrease is thanks to better treatment and a 30 percent fall in the number of people contracting HIV.
DENMARK last weekend signed the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to ensure the protection of biodiversity can be integrated into fishery, tourism, forestry and agricultural policies to achieve 2020 targets – particularly those concerning the protection of endangered pollinators like bees.
Cancer killing fewer kids A CHILD’S chances of being alive five years after receiving a cancer diagnosis has improved by 10 percentage points to 85 percent since 2005, according to the Danish Children’s Cancer Registry. The registry attributed the improvement to intensive research, international co-operation and centralised cancer treatment for kids.
Space investment taking off DENMARK will invest 350 million kroner in space activities over the next three years. Some 160 million kroner will aid participation in the development of new space tech, 126.5 million kroner will be spent on satellite observations, and the rest will fund the International Space Station.
Dog virus at large
More room for legumes
DANISH vets are warning of a deadly dog virus that has been detected in a pregnant dog from eastern Europe in the town of Otterup in northern Funen. Canine parvovirus affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and is highly contagious. Symptoms include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, fever, weight loss and dehydration.
MEALS based on legumes like peas and beans can make it easier to lose weight, according to a University of Copenhagen research team. In related news, Copenhagen residents eat 19 percent fewer potatoes than the national average, according to Coop. Experts blamed low-carb diets and the rise of quinoa!
Secrets of the deep
Floating future
DANISH researchers have discovered a new method to help identify deep ocean wildlife. It enables them to analyse the environmental DNA (eDNA) of a water sample to identify not only species living in the deep, but also their volume.
DANISH company Floating Power Plant is developing a floating platform able to harness both wind and wave power. It already has deals with Irish company DP Energy to provide platforms for offshore farms in Scotland and Wales.
www.cis.dk
Before long, you’ll belong Settling into a new country can be challenging – especially for the nonworking spouse. We know, from studies and from experience, that a successful posting depends on the happiness of the entire family – and our school is home to a very active, warm and welcoming community. Our PTA offers a wide range of opportunities: newcomers network, Spring Fair, Halloween, Yoga, Activities Fair, Wine and Cheese Evening, Dads’ Club and Ladies’ Night Out. Dedicated parents coach our sports teams, run our boy scouts and serve on the school Board. At CIS the whole family finds a place to grow roots and make friends. So to quote one of our parents: “I came for the job, but we stayed for the school.”
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NEWS
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
ONLINE THIS WEEK Farage predicts a Dexit PRO-BREXIT politician Nigel Farage met with members of the DF on his visit to Copenhagen last week, telling Danish media that they can expect a Dexit in the future. “It’s just a matter of time,” he said according to TV2 News. “Whether it will be Italy, the Netherlands or Denmark up next, I don’t know.”
Targeting drink drivers A POLICE drink driving campaign targeting office workers returning from the annual julefrokost began in late November. Men account for nine out of ten drink driving convictions, and according to Epinion, 16 percent have in the past year questioned whether they were fit to drive, compared to 7 percent of women.
Guilty jets leaving THE GOVERNMENT confirmed last week that it will not extend the military operations of its seven F-16 fighter jets in Syria and Iraq. The planes took part in the accidental Coalition bombing that killed 62 Syrian government forces on September 17, and a US-led investigation has blamed the mishap on human error.
Anxious in the shower A SURVEY by Center for Ungdomsstudier reveals that 55 percent of 13 to 16-yearolds avoid nudity in front of one another because it makes them anxious. Pupils would rather return to the classroom in their sweaty clothes. Experts blame societal pressures on youngsters to resemble photo models, sports stars and porn actors.
Meteor in the skies A METEOR blazed across the Danish sky on the evening of November 28. According to the Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen, plenty reported seeing a fireball, but nobody heard a bang – an indication that it did not land and burnt up in the Earth’s atmosphere. An estimated 100,000 tonnes of meteoroids hit Earth every year.
9 - 15 December 2016
WHO WANTS TO BE A DANE? Questions might be easier, but phone-a-friends in Denmark are in scant supply
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HOUSANDS of prospective Danes gathered at language centres last week to take the citizenship test – a biannual multiple choice quiz that most Danes admit to failing. They were given 45 minutes to answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly to win the right to apply for Danish citizenship. With Brexit looming, the number of Brits applying has shot up 500 percent since the summer. The general consensus is that the examiners have learned a lesson following criticism of their test in the summer in which they asked what year was the first Olsen Gang film released and composer Carl Nielsen born and gave multiple choice options only a few years apart.
Not really Danish HOWEVER, is it worth the effort as Danes have a harder time accepting those with foreign backgrounds as their
compatriots than most other countries, according to a PhD study at Aarhus University that interviewed 35,000 participants from 19 countries. “They speak fluent Danish, invest in being in Denmark, take Danish courses, but they are still viewed as not entirely Danish,” the researcher Kristina Bakkær Simonsen told DR about the first and second generation of new Danes. “They are told by the way they are looked at, politicians and social media that they are not truly Danish. They become discouraged and give up on the idea of ever being part of the Danish community.” According to an Epinion poll, 46 percent of Danes believe it is not enough to be a Danish citizen to be Danish. Perhaps it’s no surprise that about one fifth of the 472,000 non-Western immigrants and their descendants wish to return to their homelands one day. Very much a minority ONLY 11 percent of Danish citizens are foreign-born, ac-
cording to a report by Danmarks Statistik – a much lower share than Norway (15) and Sweden (17). The employment prospects of foreign-born nationals in Scandinavia were highest in Norway, and women from non-Western immigrant backgrounds in Scandinavia are giving birth to far less children – the average has fallen from 3.19 in 1995 to 1.95 in 2015. Some 228,000 people have been given Danish citizenship since 1980. The number of new Danes peaked at the turn of the century and then declined considerably along with the rise of Dansk Folkeparti. Since 2010, the number of new Danish citizens hasn’t exceeded 5,000 people annually. The largest group of ‘new Danes’ come from Turkey (27,147), followed by Iraq (18,631), stateless individuals from disputed territories such as Palestine and Kosovo (14,123), Somalia (12,417), Iran (11,571) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (11,132). (CPH POST)
New government in place CHRISTIAN WENANDE
Fined but celebrating A FAROESE court on November 24 found the activist group Sea Shepherd Global (SSG) guilty of herding dolphins away from hunters taking part in the grindadráp – the annual slaughter of 800 cetaceans. A jubilant SSG contends it has set a precedent that outlaws future herding by hunters to get the animals onto a beach ahead of killing them.
Not using the net JUST 10 years ago, the headline ‘Two-thirds of pensioners use the internet’ would have been more of a surprise than the news that 230,000 Danes have not been online in the past year. The figures from Danmarks Statistik reveal that this was true of 33 percent of the 75-89 age bracket, 11 percent of the 65-74 age group and zero percent of those aged 15-18.
EU’s highest basics DANES pay the highest costs in the EU for fixed expenses such as rent, water, electricity and heating, according to Eurostat. On average, Danish families spend 29.3 percent of their total budget on them – up from 26.3 percent in 2005. While Finland (28.2) came second, the Maltese spend the least – just 10.1 percent of their overall budget.
Five more ministers IN TOTAL, the number of ministerial positions has risen from 17 to 22, with V retaining 13, Liberal Alliance getting six and Konservative three.
The five members to keep their posts are Lars Løkke Rasmussen (PM), Inger Støjberg (immigration and integration), Lars Christian Lilleholt (energy, supply and climate), Karsten Lauritzen (tax) and Esben Lunde Larsen (food and environment). Jensen, meanwhile, is the new finance minister, replacing Claus Hjort Frederiksen who in turn will replace Peter Christensen as defence minister. While LA’s Mette Bock (who is Samuelsen’s sister) will replace Bertel Haarder as culture minister.
THE GOVERNMENT has decided that unaccompanied child asylum-seekers aged 17 – 220 of the 700 total – will no longer live at asylum centres for kids. Despite being legally underage, they will be moved to adult asylum centres to save costs as more centres are closed completely. Red Barnet has criticised the move.
Gossip journos sentenced
Voices heard in the EU
Schnapps recalled
New tattoo strategy
HENRIK Qvortrup, the former editor-in-chief of the Danish gossip magazine Se og Hør, has been found guilty of hacking the credit card transactions of celebrities and members of the Royal Family. Qvortrup will serve three months, another journalist 18 months, while three others were given suspended sentences.
SOME 70 percent of Danes feel their voices count in the EU – the highest percentage of all the EU member states and 8 percent more than last year, according to a new Eurobarometer survey. Sweden finished second with 69, and Greece last with 13. However, 6 percent more Danes think the EU is moving in the wrong direction.
THE DANISH food administration Fødevarestyrelsen is recalling certain bottles of ‘Engen klar Snaps’ sold in Coop supermarkets across the country. Rather than the 32 percent alcohol volume stated on the label, it has been discovered that bottles tapped on 15 September 2016 may have an alcohol volume of between 66 and 76 percent.
AS PART of its new chemicals package, the government is launching a new tattoo strategy in co-operation with the industry to principally protect customers from getting cinogenic or allergenic substances under their skin. While the EU intends to introduce common rules by 2019, the changes aren’t quick enough for the government.
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NLY FIVE members of the cabinet have retained their jobs after the reshuffle that followed Venstre’s decision on November 25 to welcome Liberal Alliance (LA) and Konservative (K) into its government. K and LA’s leaders, Søren Pape Poulsen and Anders Samuelsen, have both been given? key positions, respectively replacing Søren Pind as justice minister and Kristian Jensen as foreign minister.
“I know that it’s the fourleaf clover that brings luck, but there are more three-leaf clovers around and that’s good symbolism,” Rasmussen said according to TV2 News. V, LA and K have voted the same 85 percent of the time since the general election in June 2015.
ONLINE THIS WEEK
Thrown in with adults
NEWS
9 - 15 December 2016
ONLINE THIS WEEK
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FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK
Deplorable conditions
‘Cats’ heading over
No flying visits
Denmark’s iron lady
Crunch game for FCK
REPRESENTATIVES of the Danish union confederation LO on a trip to Qatar, where they assessed reports of human rights abuses of migrant workers building stadia for the 2022 World Cup, have told Ekstra Bladet that their living conditions are “unsanitary and unhealthy”. An estimated 4,000 will die carrying out the work, reports LO’s umbrella body.
THE LONDON West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ will be performed at the Royal Arena from October 25-29, and then two days later at Forum Horsens, again for five nights (Nov 1-5). Also heading to the Royal Arena is Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Varekai’ for six shows between March 23 and 26.
TORBJØRN C Pedersen, a 37-year-old Dane, is travelling to every country in the world to raise awareness of the Danish Red Cross. Uniquely, he is trying to do it without flying. Since 2013 he has visited 121 counties, and he is hopeful of finishing in 2019.
MICHELLE Vesterby won the Cozumel Ironman in Mexico on November 27, with Camilla Pedersen in third.
AT THE time of going to press, FCK’s hopes of making the last 16 of the Champions League were dependent on it winning away at Club Brugge on Wednesday evening and FC Porto failing to beat Leicester City in Portugal. Failure would see the Lions enter the last 32 of the Europa League instead.
Kasper the friendly post A HAT-TRICK by Ajax forward Kasper Dolberg, 19, pushed the young Dane to the top of the Eredivisie goalscoring charts and all over social media on November 20.
DENMARK has been drawn with Germany, Italy and Czech Republic in next year’s Under-21 European Championship in Poland. The tournament has expanded to include three groups, with only four advancing to the semis.
China opened up
Meet Pablo’s nemeses
JAN Ø JØRGENSEN, 28, has become the first non-Asian to win the China Open, a Super Six badminton tournament. He beat the world number two, Chen Long – his second win in ten attempts against the Chinese player. Jørgensen is now ranked third in the world, while Viktor Axelsen is number four.
STEVE Murphy and Javier Pena, the DEA agents portrayed in the Netflix series ‘Narcos’, are appearing in person at Bremen Theatre on May 11 as part of their world tour ‘Capturing Pablo’. Their presentation will be followed by a Q&A.
Parken the boss
THORBJØRN Olesen, 26, and Søren Kjeldsen, 41, won the World Cup of Golf on November 27, pocketing 18 million kroner. Their overall total in Melbourne included a 60 on day two, after which they were never caught.
Julekalender is “uncool” THIS YEAR’S new julekalender, DR1’s ‘Den Anden Verden’ (the other world), is aimed at 8 to 16-year-olds. Producer Andreas Hjortdal feels the under-8s will be content with the 1989 julekalender ‘Nissebande i Grønland’, but many teens have told CPH POST they won’t be tuning in to the young adult show because it’s “uncool”.
New wave of big names ARCADE Fire and Erasure will appear at Roskilde 2017, while Frank Ocean is playing at next year’s NorthSide. In related news, Volbeat will on August 26 become the first Danish band to headline Parken since 1981; Justin Bieber is appearing at the Jydsk Væddeloøbsbane horsetrack in Aarhus on June 5; and German metal band Rammstein are playing at the Horsens Prison venue on May 25.
FC COPENHAGEN remain unbeaten in 22 games in the Superliga – a new record. Their last home defeat was on 15 August 2014 – the best league record in Europe.
The good bite that leads to wisdom MARIN MILOSAVLJEVIC
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HE GENERAL consenus after we tried the Copenhagen Fairy Tales public bike tour six months ago was that it was interesting, fun and useful. And now the Copenhagen Food Tour, also organised by Copenhagen Fairy Tales, adds another adjective to that list: tasty. If you’re amongst those who like to roam a new city on foot rather than on a bike, then the Copenhagen Food Tour is something you should treat
yourself to. Ultimately, Copenhagen is well known for good food and drinks that will stay with you long after your visit has ended. This tour guarantees that you’ll forever associate parts of the city with exquisite tastes you enjoyed and which got stuck in your brain. The famous Danish open sandwiches? We tried them in one of the oldest restaurants of Copenhagen. The street-sold organic hot dog that melts in your mouth? Check! Tasting and sampling the extraordinary products of the only organic
Tough Euros group
World cup winners
New sponsor for DBU DBU, THE Danish FA, has signed a four-year sponsorship deal with state betting operator Danske Spil.
Bienvenido Noma
Kris headlining Komos KRIS KRISTOFFERSON has been confirmed as one of the acts appearing at the new folk and food festival fom Komos June 16-17.
Geranium in trouble GERANIUM, the only threestar Michelin restaurant in Copenhagen, has been fined 20,000 kroner by the food authorities for keeping its fresh shellfish at too high a temperature and handed an angry smiley rating.
NOMA HAS confirmed plans to open a pop-up restaurant in Tulum, Mexico from April 12May 28. The initiative follows similar projects in Australia and Japan. Reservations started on December 6.
Opportunity Knox DANISH-AMERICAN feature ‘Amanda Knox’, overseen by Plus Pictures producer Mette Heide, is in contention for the Best Documentary Feature award at the Oscars. A shortlist of 15 films is expected this month.
Vinyl sales soaring
Cross country hosts
VINYL record sales totalled 12.3 million kroner last year – up from 7.6 million in 2014 – and now account for 16.5 percent of all music sales. Second sales have increased by 13 percent on Den Blå Avis.
AARHUS is hosting the 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. The tournament will be combined with events open to the public with a focus on school kids.
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cheese shop in Copenhagen. Included in the tour! Organic, handmade chocolate for dessert? Yes, please! But ... isn’t Copenhagen well known for good beer too? Yes, and you’ll have a chance to taste it at the conclusion of this tour. While you will discover the hedonistic beauty of Copenhagen in small groups, the tour guide
will take care that every bite you take is followed by a dose of history and culture, so that you end the tour satisfied in every way.
MORE INFORMATION: COPENHAGENFAIRYTALES.DK
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BUSINESS
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
ONLINE THIS WEEK Nordea notoriety growing
Employers getting it right
Danish companies are switched on to what makes employees tick
Danish companies brilliant at fostering talent and nurturing happy workers
Appeal, and Readiness. Denmark ranked first for I&D, third for Readiness and 11th for Appeal (in which the cost of living was a sizeable detractor). Since 2007, Denmark has never been ranked below third in the IMD World Talent Report, but it has been unable to wrestle first place away from the Swiss during that time. Belgium came third, and Sweden and the Netherlands made up the top five. Finland, Norway, Austria, Luxembourg and China Hong Kong completed the top ten.
Can’t spank the Swiss THE RANKING is based on scores in three central areas: Investment & Development,
Happy workers PERHAPS understandably, Denmark has the happiest workers in the world, according to the latest Universum Global Workforce Happiness Index. Denmark was followed by Norway, Costa Rica, Sweden and Austria in the rankings. The study asked 200,000 professionals in 57 countries about their satisfaction with their job, willingness to recommend their
employer to others and likelihood of switching jobs in the near future. “Employee happiness is crucial for retaining good talent as well as having a motivated workforce that delivers great results and continuously innovates,” said Daniel Eckert, the research project manager at Universum. “If the young professionals in a market show low levels of discontent, then that is a good sign for the economy as whole.” Meanwhile, the University of Copenhagen (KU) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have both been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for delivering workready graduates by Times Higher Education. KU moved up one spot to 51st, while DTU took a massive leap from 112th to 76th this year. KU was ranked the top Nordic university, followed by Stockholm (62), Helsinki (73), DTU and Lund (78). (CPH POST)
Airbnb booming
Poised in south Asia
Bleak for eateries
Higher sales expected
ONLINE rentals marketplace Airbnb is a big success in central Copenhagen, according to Kraks Fond. Some 7 percent of all housing in the city centre is available to rent, compared to a citywide average of 2.6 percent. Copenhagen’s number of addresses puts it on a par with much larger cities such as Barcelona and Berlin.
DANISH business continues to eye opportunities in both Pakistan and Bangladesh, countries with ever-larger middle classes prepared to pay for quality. Later this month, a delegation will travel to Pakistan with a focus on the water sector, while Danish companies stand poised to help Bangladesh’s textile industry become sustainable.
SOME 28 percent of Denmark’s eateries face financial ruin, according to a survey by Deloitte. Just 44 percent have generated stable profits over the past three years as consumers are provided more choice by fast-food and street food outlets, as well as supermarkets. The average profit per employee fell from 12,000 to 8,400 kroner in 2015.
DANISH consumer spending has continued to grow for the third year in a row, with December retail sales set to be about 1.5 percent higher than 2015, predicts economist Louise Aggerstrøm Hansen from Danske Bank. According to Hansen, Danes are getting paid more while prices have remained stable.
Maersk making moves MAERSK has consolidated its position as the world’s biggest container shipping company by acquiring Hamburg Süd, the world’s seventh largest. In related news, Maersk and DONG Energy are reportedly considering a merger of their oil businesses. In the meantime, Maersk’s oil interests will be controlled by an office in the harbour, not at Esplanaden 50.
Lego’s day in Chinese court LEGO IS taking a rival toymaker to court over breach of copyright in China. Lepin has copied its products – as well as the box, user manual and logo – and is significantly cheaper. Lego has a lot to lose if it doesn’t win as it has just opened a massive factory in Jiaxing and already employs 1,200 people. It lost a similar case in China in 2013.
Salmon exports thriving
Wages could hit prospects
IKEA’s nice idea FOLLOWING a 6.4 percent rise in its net sales to 3.95 billion kroner, IKEA Denmark is paying its workers a Xmas bonus worth up to 130 percent of their monthly salary. In related news, IKEA has confirmed its new store near Fisketorvet will be a global prototype, and it has no intention of withdrawing its ‘Smila Blomma’ lamp that has injured children abroad.
ONLINE THIS WEEK
FOR THE last ten years, Danish salmon from west Jutland have been exported to German rivers – the Elbe, the Rhine and the Weser – to help replenish local populations, and it is a big money-spinner. Today salmon with Danish genes can be found on the Czech side of the Elbe.
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ACCORDING to a Loyalty Group survey, Nordea Bank has the least loyal bank customers in Denmark. The Panama Papers scandal, long waiting times and IT problems have all impacted customer satisfaction, and it won’t be helped by the news that it was investing in the recentlycancelled controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project.
9 - 15 December 2016
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HEN IT comes to developing, investing in, attracting and retaining talent, Denmark is among the very best in the world, according to the 2016 IMD World Talent Report. Ranking 61 nations according to their ability to foster talent, the report ranked Denmark second overall, behind only Switzerland – the same position as last year for the Danes. “Among other reasons, it’s down to Danish companies focusing on attracting and retaining talent and employee motivation being high,” said Charlotte Rønhof, a deputy director at Dansk Industri, the confederation of Danish industry.
FOR THE fourth quarter in a row, the average production wage increased at a faster rate than abroad, according to the Confederation of Danish Employers. Over the past year, it has risen by 2.2 percent – 0.7 percentage points higher than the average of 13 other nations – an indicator that Danish companies might struggle to compete, warns Dansk Industri.
Air Canada going daily AIR CANADA will offer daily summer flights from Copenhagen to Toronto from June. The carrier will also increase its capacity by using the company’s largest aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, which seats 400 passengers. In other news, Ethiopian Airlines has chosen Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport instead of Copenhagen as its second Scandinavian destination.
Aussie acquisition DENMARK’S GolfBox has been snapped up by the ambitious Australian company MSL Solutions. GolfBox provides a cloud-based tool to golf club administrators in 15 different countries – to organise tournaments, understand their customers better etc – and it fits well with MSL’s sports software portfolio.
Business sprouting well THE DANISH company Sprout, which manufactures pencils that can be planted to grow herbs or flowers once they have reached the end of their writing life, is enjoying great success, reports Dansk Industri. Since its launch in 2013, turnover has doubled every year – a trend that is expected to continue until 2020 with revenue of 300 million kroner.
BUSINESS
9 - 15 December 2016
Danish decision bodes well for Serbia Balkan country could become a EU member in 2019, predict experts ELLA NAVARRO
D
to ethnically-divided relations in northern Kosovo. “Serbia is an anchor of stability among the state neighbours in the region,” said Oskar Benedikt, the deputy head of the Delegation of the EU to Serbia, but he warned that complete reconciliation must be achieved completely before Serbia can join the EU. “Country members don’t want to import a problem of this sort to the EU – they want the problem to be solved first”.
ENMARK’S decision in October to make it much easier for Serbians to obtain Danish driving licences could be a significant one that demonstrates the Balkan country is making progress in a bid for EU membership that started in 2014. Its admittance to the ‘Group 2 Scheme of Driver’s Licences’ is recognition of its improved transport safety standards, and a Fraught media relations good sign according to Serbian ambassador THE RECENTLY held South East Europe Dragana Ivanovic. Media Forum in Belgrade highlighted the fraught relationship between the governA positive development ment and the country’s media – several of “THE ADMISSION of Serbia is a posi- whom left the room in protest for media tive development that contributes to the freedom when PM Aleksandar Vucic gave establishment of more profound relations the welcome speech. “Any journalist who does their job reand co-operation between our two nations,” sponsibly in this country is under threat,” she enthused. “A harmonisation of legislation with said Nedim Sejdinovic from the Independthe EU will make Serbia a more familiar ent Association of Journalists of Vojvodina. and accessible market for Danish inves- Threats via social media and intrusion into tors. Positive experiences with Calsberg their private lives are the norm, but it is a and Grundfoss, which have established low priority for the police. The EU has invested about 20 million production in Serbia, can be an encouragement for other Danish entrepreneurs.” euros into Serbian media since 2000 as it is an important requirement for EU integraStartups thriving tion. “Freedom of press is an objective to ACCORDING to Natalija Sandic from the achieving a free society,” explained Radomir EU Innovation Fund. the revenue of the Licina from the SEEM Organisation in companies chosen for funding has increased Belgrade. by 62 percent, while exports have also risen, and it has helped create 300 high-end jobs Future remains bright and 40 successful startups. IVANOVIC is undeterred, however. “We “There is a lot of potential in our coun- see the path towards our membership of try, and the fund, has helped these ideas to the EU as a historic opportunity for modsurface,” she said. “We have a high survival ernisation and change,” she said. rate, which is quite unusual in the startup “It is encouraging that the European scene.” integration process has demonstrated so far One example is Strawberry Energy, that Serbia has the necessary administrative which since 2011 has been promoting its capacities and that it is capable of adopting ‘smart bench’, a service coming to London and implementing the European acquis next year that offers free phone charging within a short period of time which, I am and wifi – a perfect addition to the current confident, will result in our fully-fledged smarter city trend spearheaded by Danish membership by 2020.” architect Jan Gehl. Benedikt is also confident. “Serbia has done its homework and it is on a good Various hurdles path, but it is up to the country which way “RELATIONS between Serbia and Den- it wants to go,” he concluded. mark are very good and they have been steadily improving. There is an increased FACTFILE interest on both sides for further advancement in their political segment,” contended • GDP Growth in 2015 was 0.8 percent – up from -1.8 in 2014 Ivanovic. April elections took place in Serbia in • Its net foreign direct investment rose a calm environment, and the new govern- from 3.7 to 5.4 percent in 2015 ment promised that its main priority will be Serbia’s accession to the EU. However, hur- • Since 2000, Serbia’s exports to the dles remain namely relations with Kosovo, EU have totalled 7.2 billion euros, comits rule of law and the state of the media. pared to 9.8 billion in imports • Serbia has invested 30 million euros Kosovo give and take in the modernisation of universities ITS DIALOGUE with Kosovo has • Serbia received 50 million euros from achieved limited advances since February. the European Investment Bank to supNevertheless, since August work on the port SMEs in 2013 Mitrovica bridge has brought optimism
Free of char ge Please sign at ihcph up .dk
Christmas Coziness
When
24 November 2016 17.00-19.00
Where International House Copenhagen Gyldenløvesgade 11 1600 Copenhagen V
When
15 December 2016 17.00-19.00
Do you have children? And are you on the hunt for a good international school? Let us help you find the one that is right for your family!
Where
International House Copenhagen Gyldenløvesgade 11 1600 Copenhagen V
Which school you should choose for your child is an important decision that can be difficult to make – particularly if you live abroad and are not fully familiar with the educational options of your new country.
This informative event will ease the decision-making process by introducing you to the international schools available in and around Copenhagen. Meet representatives from various schools at our mini fair.
Furthermore you will get an introduction to the international school programs.
SNOWY ROADS, SPICED SHORTBREAD AND PLEATED PAPER HEARTS – CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Do you know how the Danes celebrate Christmas? Bring your family, friends and colleagues to our cozy Christmas event and find out. Here you can create your own Christmas decorations, taste some delicious Christmas cookies and sing along to traditional Danish Christmas songs.
It’s free of charge – everyone is welcome!
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COMMUNITY
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
9 - 15 December 2016
ABOUT TOWN
PHOTOS BY HASSE FERROLD
It has once again been a busy period for national days. On October 29, Turkish ambassador Mehmet Donmez welcomed members of the diplomatic corps to the ceremonial Hall of the University of Copenhagen. Among those in attendance were Rufus Gifford (left), and Chinese ambassador Liu Biwei and the outgoing Georgian ambassador Nikoloz Rtveliashvili (centre left). On November 18, Albanian ambassador Kastriot Robo’s guests at Gammel Strand, who learned about Albanian wine from one of the country’s top sommeliers, included Russian ambassador Mikhail Vanin and Iranian ambassador Morteza Moradian (centre), and Spanish ambassador Enrique Pastor de Gana (centre right). And finally on November 25, Hungarian ambassador László Hellebrandt (red tie) celebrated the 60th anniversary of his national day with the unveiling of a bust of Povl Bang-Jensen – a Danish diplomat considered a hero of the 1956 Hungarian revolution for with-holding the names of witnesses, who many believe was murdered in retribution three years later – at the KUBE Cultural Centre in Frederiksberg, where he was joined by the outgoing culture minister, Bertel Haarder (right)
The Malaysian Danish Association’s biggest event of the year was once again a splendid affair. Guest speaker Mariano Davies, the president of the British Chamber of Commerce, spoke about Brexit (right)
The new ambassador agrée of Argentina is Conrado Solari Yrigoyen. Bienvenido!
Legendary Italian film score composer Ennio Morricone, 88, wowed Forum last week on Friday with a sell-out concert, after which he was joined by Italian ambassador Stefano Queirolo Palmas (right)
The new ambassador agrée of Japan is Toshiro Suzuki. Yōkoso!
MARKETPLACE & SCHOOLS
9 - 15 December 2016
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Join the American Club in Copenhagen, and take part in our exciting and interesting events and excellent networking opportunities! This is a great way to meet others from the international community in Copenhagen! For further information: www.americanclub.dk or contact Vibeke Henrichsen at 3961 7375
Would you like to learn to play the Violin or Piano? You can be an adult or a child, it will happen and it is fun! Contacts: neitinokkonen78@gmail.com
"I Sunil s/o Nand kishore R / o,C/o soni,teglværksbakken 12,2900 Hellerup changed my name to sunil sharma." Med venlig hilsen/Best regards
Christmas Advent and
www.of ag.dk
ANIMATION FASHION DESIGN ART WRITING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
at Saint Alban’s Chhch
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols*
Sunday 11 December at 16.00
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols*
Monday12 December at 19.00
10TH. GRADE DESIGN-HF ART & CULTURE
Carols and Poetry by Candlelight
Saturday17 December at 16.00 Satu
Children’s Nativity Service with Carols
Saturday 24 December at 12.00
Midnight Mass
Saturday 24 December at 23.30
Christmas Day Sung Eucharist
Sunday 25 December at 10.30
*Free Ticket Required. See website for details
Saint Alban’s Anglican/Episcopal Church, Churchillparken 11, Copenhagen. www.st-albans.dk
THE PLACE FOR
C RE ATIVE PEOPLE Odense Fagskole - Ørstedsgade 28 - 5000 Odense - Tlf: (+45) 66 12 21 45
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
F
ROM NOVEMBER 2124, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Institute of Culture – in co-operation with Carne Famo, L’Altro, Maio
9 - 15 December 2016
OUT AND ABOUT
ALL PHOTOS:ASHLEY SMALLEY
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COMMUNITY
ings, guests were treated to a tasting at Parma & Pasta in Lyngby, which began with prosciutto paired with a scoop of soft gorgonzola, followed by
an extraordinary taste of the country’s cooking. According to Italian ambassador Stefano Queirolo Palmas, Italian cuisine is an
essential part of his country’s lifestyle. “This is a way of spreading that knowledge,” he said. ASHLEY SMALLEY
On an exciting journey through the palace’s royal chambers, the hunters are presented with the glorious (and sometimes scandalous) past of the Danish royals – that is, of
course, if you’re brainy enough to solve the riddles and clues that guide you on the way. A team of determined treasure hunters from CPH POST took the challenge.
Presented with a bunch of brown-paper envelopes marked with mysterious drawings, which as we progressed brought out a trickier nut to crack each time, we needled
our way through the adventure, all the while admiring Christiansborg and its extraordinary décor.
create an atmosphere where memories are evoked to take customers back to a time when they were having fun and being social. The cocktail menu, howev-
er, is what makes you want to come back for more. On opening night on November 30 it was a question of sitting back, relaxing, sipping on a range that included
such names as Bloody Hell and Mary and English Summer Garden, and letting Lo-Jo’s do all the work in the kitchen. And what work! Cheddar popcorn, hand-cut fries, onion
rings, and a confit duck burger that one guest described as the “greatest burger of all time”. Definitely worth an elephant to taste one! ALYSSA ASHLEY
ALL PHOTOS: CIKRISTINA LIEBUTE
Restaurant and Parma & Pasta – brought the ‘First Week of Italian Cuisine in the World’ to Copenhagen. To kick off the proceed-
T
HE SECRET of Power’ is a new treasure hunt activity at Christiansborg Palace provided by renowned Danish event and games company Mystery Makers.
KRISTINA LIEBUTE ALL PHOTO: ALYSSA ASHLEY
O
N THE WALLS of LoJo’s, there’s a vibrant elephant drawing for every country the Australian owner George Booth has lived in. Within that is his vision to
The former Jackass star Steve-O is coming to Copenhagen with his ‘The end of the world’ tour. So expect the unexpected, leave your inhibitions at home and come along to his new stand-up show (Dec 14, 20:00; Bremen Teater, Nyropsgade 39-41, Cph V; 295kr)
If jazz and the festive spirit sound like the perfect combination, then you shouldn’t miss the Jazz Five X-Mass show and enjoy jazzy tunes performed by five different artists (Dec 16, 17:00; Charlie Scotts Bar, Skindergade 43, Cph K; 80kr)
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CHARLIE SCOTTS BAR FACEBOOK PAGE
THOMINE & ART FELLOW FACEBOOK PAGE
If you want to pick up some cool limited-edition art-prints, then head to the Thomine pop-up shop this weekend. Get there early to beat the rush (Dec 9, 17:00-22:30, Dec 10-11, 11:00-17:00; Thomine, Teglgårdstræde 7A-7B, Cph K; free adm)
GAGE SKIDMORE
Are you new to the city and want to share your experiences or just meet new people? Then join the ‘Let’s Talk Conversation Group’ for a fun and interesting afternoon (Dec 11, 14:00; Østerbro Biblotek, conference room, Hammarskjölds Allé 19, Cph Ø; free adm)
Join other internationals at this Xmas party co-hosted by CPH POST and International House Copenhagen. The event includes a free entry raffle, performances by Ian Burns and prezzies from Santa (Dec 15, 17:00-19:00, Int House Cph, Gyldenløvesgade 11, Cph V; free adm)
LET’S TALK CONVERSATION GROUP FACEBOOK EVENT
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COMING UP SOON
Fancy trying some crazy Italian brews? Or maybe you just want to have a good time in great company (Dec. 12, 16:00; Il Buco, Njalsgade 19C, Cph K; free adm) LISA BREMSNER
MOBILE APP FOR EXPATS
TAKE YOUR NEW LIFE UNDER CONTROL Download FREE for your gadget! ORGANIZAREA ALEGERILOR PENTRU PARLAMENTUL ROMÂNIEI ÎN DANEMARCA În vederea exercitării de către cetăţenii români cu domiciliul sau reşedinţa în străinătate a dreptului de vot, la alegerile pentru Senat şi Camera Deputaţilor din 11 decembrie 2016, în Danemarca vor fi organizate 4 secţii de votare, după cum urmează: • COPENHAGA, AMBASADA ROMÂNIEI, STRANDAGERVEJ 27, 2900 HELLERUP • ÅRHUS, CONSULATUL ONORIFIC, SØREN FRISCH VEJ 39, 8000, ÅRHUS C • IKAST, CONSULATUL ONORIFIC, BØGILDVEJ 3, 7430, IKAST • ODENSE, SEDIUL SINDICATULUI 3 F –
ODENSE GOPS, SKIBHUSVEJ 52 B, 2 SAL, 5100, ODENSE C Lista documentelor care atestă reşedinţa în Danemarca în vederea exercitării dreptului de vot la alegerile pentru Senat şi Camera Deputaţilor din 11 decembrie 2016: • PERMIS DE ŞEDERE/REZIDENŢĂ • DOVADĂ A DREPTULUI DE ŞEDERE AVÂND FORMA UNEI ADEVERINŢE • CERTIFICAT DE ÎNREGISTRARE • PERMIS DE CONDUCERE • CARD DE SĂNĂTATE
ELECTIONS FOR THE ROMANIAN PARLIAMENT ORGANIZED IN DENMARK The Permanent Electoral Authority in Romania has set up 4 polling stations in Denmark with view to ensure appropriate conditions for exercising the voting rights by Romanian nationals in this country during the elections for the Romanian Parliament (11 December 2016). The four polling stations will be located in: • COPENHAGEN, EMBASSY OF ROMANIA, STRANDAGERVEJ 27, 2900 HELLERUP • ÅRHUS, HONORARY CONSULATE OF ROMANIA, SØREN FRISCH VEJ 39, 8000, ÅRHUS C • IKAST, HONORARY CONSULATE OF ROMANIA, BØGILDVEJ 3, 7430, IKAST
• ODENSE, 3 F – ODENSE GOPS, SKIBHUSVEJ 52 B, 2 SAL, 5100, ODENSE C The documents certifying the residence in Denmark, needed for exercising the voting rights by Romanian nationals at the parliamentary elections in 11 December 2016, are: • RESIDENCE CARD • PROOF OF RESIDENCE IN THE FORM OF A CERTIFICATE • REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE • DRIVER’S LICENSE • HEALTH INSURANCE CARD / YELLOW CARD
14 Resistance is futile to ignore the rise of this Empire FILM
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
9 - 15 December 2016
MARK WALKER
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HE ONCE proud Republic has fallen. Democracy has failed the people. In its place there stands a ruthless dictator presiding over his newlyformed empire. All hope is lost. No, I’m not talking about the recent US election. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (release date: Dec 14) is the first film from the ever popular franchise to not carry an ‘Episode’ number, but its narrative occurs in continuity between the prequel trilogy (the ones that most discerning cinema-goers like to pretend never happened) and the much celebrated ‘original trilogy’. That is to say that it is both an indirect sequel to 2005’s Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and a prequel to the beloved original, 1977’s Episode IV: A New Hope. You following this? No doubt it’s a challenge for Lucasfilm/Disney’s publicity department to educate more casual Star Wars audiences, who are understandably expecting a sequel to last year’s Episode VII. This isn’t that. Instead it’s a throwback to the Star Wars of old, when Vader was boss and the most destructive power in the galaxy was a giant metal moon that loomed ominously over planets before obliterating them completely. Let’s hope Donald Trump never gets his tiny hands on one of those. Rebel rebel THE FILM, directed by Britain’s Gareth Edwards (Monster, Godzilla), will tell the story of how said metal moon had its top secret instruction booklet stolen from the Empire by a plucky bunch of rebel freedom fighters (or terrorists, depending on your politics). It
promises to emphasise the ‘Wars’ in Star Wars, focusing more on the guerrilla tactics of ‘boots on the ground’ warfare than force magic and laser swords. Of course we know they’ll succeed, since we’ve already seen Princess Leia stashing those instructions inside everyone’s favourite dustbin on roller skates, after which they’re then discovered by her brother – who she later gets off with – thus allowing him to know which thermal exhaust port to fire his torpedoes into. And yes, we’re still talking about family viewing. The leader of the terrorists/ rebels is troublemaker Jynn Ersa (Felicity Jones), notably Star Wars’ second proper female protagonist (points again for Disney) and the first nonJedi lead. It transpires that she is selected for the mission because her father (Mads Mikkelson) reluctantly helped the Empire construct their mass-murdering moon. After all, Star Wars is ultimately a franchise about fathers who f**k everything up (and for those who say that the prequels’ protagonist, Anakin Skywalker, never had a father, I say you’re not watching Episode III carefully enough). The Wookie strikes back ALTERNATIVELY, if a galaxy far, far away seems like too far to
go for popcorn, there are some foolish distributors daring to face off with Disney’s competitionkilling science-fantasy franchise. None were so brave as to open in the same week, however, and December 8 is accordingly crowded with releases, all clamouring for your pocket money before Rogue One cleans up. A Monster Calls is an adaptation of Patrick Ness’ bestselling novel about a tree monster (Ent) who helps a young boy cope with his mother’s terminal illness. Sigourney Weaver stars. Early word is positive. Hell & High Water stars Jeff Bridges and currently enjoys an aggregate score of 88 on Metacritc. A father and his ex-con brother resort to bank robbery in order to save their family’s Texas ranch. All signs point to a classic dusty American noir about good guys doing bad things for good reasons. The comedy Office Christmas Party has Jennifer Anniston, Jason Bateman and a title that needs no further explanation – other than perhaps making clear that the film has nothing to do with Steven Merchant or Ricky Gervais. The First Monday in May is a documentary following the preparations for the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most attended fashion exhibi-
tion in history, ‘China: Through The Looking Glass’. Described as “catnip for fashionistas”, the film has received mixed reviews with an aggregate score of 57 from Metacritic. The House of Mouse FOLLOWING the monumental flopping of The Lone Ranger and John Carter, Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios has seen the mouse dominate at the box office once again. Currently, Cinemateket is going further back in time to the studio’s golden age, when it churned out masterpiece after masterpiece. Starting with Dumbo on Saturday the 10th at 12:30 and Lady and The Tramp at 15:00, the lead-up to Christmas is packed with classics (see dfi.dk/Filmhuset for details). Terence Davies, Britain’s most criminally under-appreciated auteur, paid a visit to PIX last month to kick off a Cinemateket retrospective of his unique body of work. Fortunately you can still catch his most recent works: The Deep Blue Sea (Dec 10, 16:00 & Dec 17, 14:00), a delicately observed study of a doomed love affair in postwar London, and House of Mirth (Dec 10, 18:30, Dec 15, 18:00 & Dec 26, 15:00), which stars Gillian Anderson as a betrayed New York
socialite in Davies’ adaptation of the Edith Wharton novel (see dfi.dk/Filmhuset for details). Bowie’s raging balls HUSET is certainly not winding down for Christmas as it is presenting a promising line-up of 1980s and 90s cult cinema. Presented by Vesterbro Drag Udlejningsservice (Rent-a-Drag?) is Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, an Abba-tastic cross-country, cross-dressing, road-trip odyssey that features standout performances from Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving and Terence Stamp. It screens on Friday the 9th at 19.00 – tickets cost 70kr. On Saturday at 19:00 there’s Huset’s ever popular The Big Lewbowski Drink Along (100kr), followed on Sunday at 14:00 by David Bowie’s proudly-displayed package in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (50kr). Finally, during the US election, Robert De Niro expressed a desire to punch Emperor-Elect Trump in the face. Though now unlikely to happen, you can at least imagine it when Huset screens Raging Bull, De Niro’s best performance (and arguably Martin Scorcese’s best film). from a 35mm film print. The masterpiece screens on Thursday the 15th at 18:30 and tickets cost 50kr (huset-kbh.dk).
wings of desire Wim Wenders’ ‘Wings of Desire’ depicts two angels who observe Berlin and its people in beautiful, poetic black and white images. We present the film six times in December in the newly restored version. We present some 50 films with English dialogue or subtitles every month. See what’s on at cinemateket.dk or visit us in Gothersgade 55
INOUT:TV
9 - 15 December 2016
THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK
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THE SECRET WORLD OF TINDER SVT1, THU 22:45
PICK OF THE WEEK
SMARTPHONES have changed dating forever, making the search for love just one click away. From finding romantic love to indulging weird fetishes – Tinder has seen them all. Channel 4’s documentary dives into the world of online dating, shedding light on an online world of deviancy, de-
What ... all crotch photos?
COMING SOON Oooh, m’lady!
the highway to hell, but this is great fun. Jeremy Clarkson has got himself a rival. Staying with the music legends, you’ve got a chance to see three classic music docs: the 1967 Bob Dylan doc Don’t Look Back (SVT2, Sat 20:00), the 1970 Presley extravaganza Elvis: That’s the way it is (DRK, Sat 21:40), and the rat pack singalong Sinatra and Friends featuring all the usual suspects, along with the likes of John Denver and Natalie Cole.
Elsewhere, treat yourself to a whale of a time in the company of Stephen Fry for all three episodes of the acclaimed Ocean Giants (DR2, Sun 13:15); Life of Crime (DR1, Wed 00:25 & Thu 00:10) is an under-rated British crime miniseries starring Hayley Atwell; and who can resist visiting the cathedral of power – White House: The Inside Story (DRK, Sun 17.35) and Inside the Court of Henry VIII (DRK, Tue 21:00) take us all the way. (BH)
DR3, Thu 20:00 Cars that Rock
MOSTLY filmed in a slum, a landfill skip and an office canteen, few will be tuning into Netflix’s new Brazilian series 3 % for its production values. But despite an unlikeable heroine who looks like a rat – and it turns out she is one – the first episode proved relatively easy viewing thanks to the direction of City of God cinematographer
Cesar Charlone and intriguing peripheral characters. Dubbed into English on Netflix, it’s highly advised you watch it in the original Portuguese. Staying in South America, Argentine actor Juan Diego Botto looks on paper like an unlikely co-star for Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), and the implausibility is replicated
in the plot of Good Behaviour (Metacritic: 65), in which a highheeled ex-con (m’lady) overhears a hitman being hired. Another British actress stateside is Julia Ormond – remember her! – who has a fairly large part in Incorporated (62), a dystopian series in which the multinationals have become de facto governments. So not as implausible as
ALSO NEW
TOR LINDSTRAND
SPORT OF THE WEEK 3+, Sun 14:30 EPL: Man Utd vs Tottenham
TV2, all week Women’s European Handball Championship
FILM OF THE WEEK DR2, Fri 20:00 What Maisie Knew
Good Behaviour, but with similar budget problems to 3 %. Elsewhere, Jeremy Clarkson and his team have come roaring back with their Top Gear followup The Grand Tour, and there’s yet another adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (63) – seriously, how many of these are they going to make? It’s the third since 2008. (BH)
ARMIN KUEBELBECK
ARDFERN
MANCHESTER United were pretty poor in the 1980s, but they were never boring … a mean accomplishment considering their squad. Two big EPL games this week see them host Spurs before heading to Crystal Palace (K6, Wed 21:00). Elsewhere, the NFL continues and we’ve got the start of the Women’s European Handball Championship. (BH)
votion, deception, heartbreak and sexual brazenness. Various users share online experiences, and while some of the stories are fun, some are quite scary – particularly ones in which the date turned out to be completely different from the profile. It sums up quite well the era of ‘online dating’, leaving you either excited about it, or scared. As the Guardian concluded, it shows that Tinder is “not all about dick pics”. INA BILIC YOUTUBE
NOW WE know why AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson is going deaf. He loves the sound of old car engines, and in Cars that Rock he takes us on a six-episode odyssey of some of Europe’s most iconic car brands. “Listen to that noise,” he purrs travelling at full-pelt in the Bentley 3 Litre Blower. “That’s sicking! [Novocastrian for ‘good’] From the heart. If there is a heaven, I hope this is part of it.” His career might have taken
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DR3, Sun 17:35 The F-Word
DRK, Fri 22:40 Runaway Train
3+, Sun 22:15 NFL
COMPELLING divorce drama What Maisie Knew pits Julianne Moore against Steve Coogan – couldn’t their friends have warned them it wouldn’t work? BFF Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan are equally mismatched in the formulaic The F-Word, but it’s friendlier than it sounds. While the chemistry of Jon Voigt and Eric Roberts in Runaway Train is electric! The train, though, is diesel. (BH)
Restaurant Hercegovina in Frederiksberg invites you to
THE YEAR’S MOST FESTIVE COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY The party starts at 5pm We have the recipe for the perfect evening – all we’re missing is you • Welcome drink • Deluxe Christmas buffet, with all that entails, all spiced up with our own Croatian specialities • Ris a l’amande for dessert, with coffe and a glass of cognac/liqueur • Beer and mineral-water, along with selected wines, served ad libitum throughout the evening • A genuine gypsy band • Belly dancer • Attentive waiters • Thank you and goodnight at 23:00
Deluxe Chri stmas buffet
5p 95DKK er per
son, including VA T
We stoke up the grill and make sure that the glasses are always full!
Order now on 33 15 63 63 Restaurant Hercegovina Mørk Hansens Vej 2 · 2000 Frederiksberg · Tlf. 33 15 63 63 · www.hercegovina.dk