Denmark, National chapter

Journalists Matter, Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists

The Council of Europe encourages member states to transpose the Campaign to the national context. Without each member’s committed and effective effort at national level, through the development of the so-called ‘national chapter’, the Campaign cannot reach its goals.

In this section, we will present developments in Denmark:

In 2025 Denmark continued implementing its 2022 Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, which provides a national framework for cooperation between journalists’ organisations, media representatives, public authorities and relevant ministries in preventing and responding to threats and attacks against journalists.

The Action Plan remains the cornerstone of Denmark’s approach to journalists’ safety and includes mechanisms for monitoring incidents, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders and promoting international exchange of good practices.

In addition, the Danish Government and the political parties Danmarksdemokraterne, Socialistisk Folkeparti, Det Konservative Folkeparti and Radikale Venstre agreed on a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection of democracy.

Among these is a proposal to criminalise the targeting of individuals on the basis of statements made by their close relatives in public debate or in the performance of public functions or duties. The proposed offence would also apply to statements made by journalists and is intended to address forms of intimidation and pressure that may undermine democratic participation and freedom of expression. A legislative proposal is expected to be presented in spring 2026.