The debate over border control with Sweden has once again taken center stage following several notable incidents in which Swedish gang members, predominantly of immigrant background, have been spotted in Denmark. These occurrences have sparked concerns that violence may spill across the border and escalate further. Recent statistics from Sweden have fueled the discussion and prompted several Danish politicians to demand stricter measures against the neighboring country.
This pressing topic is further complicated by new data presented by Mikkel Bjørn from the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti). According to figures from the Nordic Council, Sweden has granted over 1.2 million citizenships since the year 2000, mainly to individuals from Syria, Iraq, and Somalia. In contrast, Denmark has issued approximately 152,933 citizenships during the same period, highlighting a significant disparity relative to the population sizes of the two countries.
Mikkel Bjørn argues that these statistics underscore the stark differences in integration practices between Sweden and Denmark. He claims that Denmark should repeal the Nordic Agreement, which allows Swedes easier access to Danish citizenship, and significantly tighten border controls. “We need to monitor the border with Sweden so that we know who is entering Denmark and what their intentions are,” says Bjørn.
Peter Skaarup from the Denmark Democrats (Danmarksdemokraterne) shares this concern, deeming the new statistics “grotesquely outrageous.” He argues that the current border controls are inadequate and advocates for increased oversight and resources to address the situation. Skaarup points out that the Danish government lacks the necessary will to implement more effective border control measures.
David Sausdal, a criminology researcher at Lund University, confirms a link between migration and crime, although he emphasizes that the relationship is complex. According to Sausdal, the challenge lies not only in the cultural backgrounds of migrants but also in the integration issues that arise from high immigration rates from non-Western countries.
As the discussion unfolds, both politicians and researchers acknowledge the need for a balanced approach to address security challenges while maintaining reasonable mobility within the Nordic countries.