Danish regions face EU funding uncertainty amid health reform plans

In recent years, Danish regions have secured significant EU funding for climate projects, assisting particularly small and medium-sized municipalities in achieving their climate goals. However, this support could be abruptly halted due to the government’s extensive health reform plans, which aim to eliminate all regional climate initiatives without immediate replacements.

This decision has drawn sharp criticism, with some, like officials in the small municipality of Samsø, calling it “catastrophic.” Given the limited budget of such municipalities, access to knowledge, new technology, and financial resources through cooperation with Region Midtjylland is deemed crucial for fulfilling comprehensive climate action plans.

Currently, Samsø is involved in a major initiative aimed at recycling sorted household waste, sewage sludge, and garden waste into new production processes, potentially for agriculture. Program coordinator Jeppe Ustrup Hermann emphasizes the need for ongoing collaboration with the region to eliminate waste as a concept by 2030.

In Region Midtjylland, climate chief Lisa Gerschefski estimates that municipalities have received approximately one billion Danish kroner in EU support since 2021, contributing to a total of nearly 2.5 billion kroner since 2014 for accelerating green transitions in Denmark. She warns that potential losses of EU funds are at risk as many projects rely on regional efforts.

The green think tank Concito expresses similar concerns, stressing that the government’s proposal could reduce overall climate initiatives at a time when increased action is essential. Concito’s director points out that regional authorities have historically been vital in linking local and regional green transition efforts.

Despite the government’s plans, the Association of Local Authorities acknowledges the regions’ significant role in the green transition but asserts that local efforts will continue irrespective of regional involvement. The government contends that responsibilities for climate adaptation are shared among the state and municipalities, ensuring actions against climate-related challenges persist.