A Case Study: Good and Bad Governance in Denmark Members: Avengoza, Mhaurry Jade Z. Bamba, Alenna D. Carurucan, Joan May M. Consul, Wilbert De Castro, Charlene Peñarubia, John Michael Rosales, Mary Faustine Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe with a rich history and culture. They are known for their high standard of living with a strong focus on sustainability. Their government is a Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliamentary Democracy which means that they have a queen and a prime minister that is elected through parliamentary elections. Denmark has a mixed economy, their market’s major industries include renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, logistics and farming or agriculture. In fact, Denmark is cited as one of the world’s best countries to live in, not only because of their beautiful tourist attractions and rich culture but because of the numerous benefits they can receive from their government and their people as well. Let us explore the governance of this small but magnificent country. GOOD GOVERNANCE 1. Transparency ‘Denmark is the world’s least corrupt country, and they are known for being transparent.’ Most experts agree that its public sectors exhibit high levels of integrity with low rates of reported bribery and this was made possible because they have well-established systems that deter, detect and sanction corruption. In fact, it is believed that Denmark is a pioneer and role model in the field of transparency and access to public administration documents. For many years Denmark has led the way on Transparency International’s vaunted Corruption Perception Index. 1. Reversible Transparency: A study of the New Danish Access to Information Act This study revolves around the Freedom of Information Law. The government itself took the initiative and made some actions that would increase their transparency in the form of setting up commissions consisting representatives from the state administration, the involved parties and even independent experts. This began in 2002 with the intention of revising the Danish Freedom of Information Act from 1970, integrating access to information in environmental issues and other related issues. This allows their citizens to access the public records and documents that are preserved and managed with transparency through the Public Administration File Act. 2. OECD Anti-Corruption and Integrity Outlook: Country Fact Sheet 2024 This study focuses on the quantitative measures of different factors that upholds the integrity of Denmark and among those is transparency. Denmark’s regulatory framework for access to information and open data– the Act on Openness in Administration – ensures the universal entitlement of all individuals, irrespective of citizenship or legal status, to access information across various modalities. Access restrictions are listed by law and in line with the Tromso Convention. Statutory deadlines are in place for processing information requests, and requesters are not required to provide justification for their requests. Furthermore, a safeguard is established ensuring the right to appeal to an impartial external body or court in instances of refusal or administrative inactivity. Many key datasets necessary to ensure integrity are publicly available in Denmark, including the state budget, election results, public tenders and their results, the business and land registries, and salaries of top-level civil servants. However, it is worth noting that several other key datasets are not published. Laws are not published in their consolidated forms, and agendas of ministers and cabinet sessions, asset and interest declarations, and aggregated data on access to information requests are also not published. Denmark shows a relatively high trust in parliament, exceeding OECD average. More than half of the population trust their parliament (51%) compared to the OECD average of 41%. Danes trust each other, their institutions, government, monarchy, even the hospitals and the police and because of this they don’t hesitate to pay their taxes even though they are high. They do not only witness their taxes go to the health system or schools and universities but they can also see it in numbers or figures through the documents and reports presented to them. Additionally, Denmark is the most digitized country in the world that helps the government and institutions uphold transparency as they are required by the law to publish documents and allow their citizens to access it, with a secure digital key this is easy. Danish people are naturally innovative as well, and the fact that they could trust their government and the system their ideas are utilized and does not go to waste and that is one of the reasons why Denmark was deemed as a peaceful and innovative country. 2. Accountability a. Introduction Denmark exhibits many characteristics of good governance, with accountability being one of its most notable traits. The country has demonstrated that a task or goal is not merely a statement of intent but something that must be followed by concrete actions. But in what ways has Denmark shown this? One case study from Denmark showed its accountability. It proves that as long as they are in that situation it is their responsibility to take actions on how to make a change with what they are experiencing. Here’s a brief background of one of the schools in Denmark before. b. Background Rønnebær Allé School is situated on the outskirts of HelsingørCity, Denmark, with almost 550 pupils, 65% of whom are ethnic Danes and approximately 35% from other ethnic backgrounds. Life here was marked by unrest, vandalism, and inter-pupil conflict, both during breaks and in class. The school’s collaboration with parents is weak, and there is little to no participation. The students showed a lack of interest in their studies, with only a small percentage passing, and some capable students were transferred to other schools. School management and the teachers are aware of the conditions of each student in their school. They were highly frustrated and frightened due to this, resulting in many teachers leaving the school and taking sick leave. When a health profile was conducted at the school in 2007 and 2008, it was confirmed that the number of smokers was high, many students only engaged in physical activity once a day or less, and a large proportion did not have breakfast. In connection with the examination, many also spoke about heavy social problems, such as parents with addiction or parents who were unable to take on their responsibilities. Following this, the doctor contacted the school management to implement health measures in the school, as this could potentially be a cause of poor learning outcomes and the lack of student well-being. c. Issue As the doctor approached the school management, this is where taking accountability all started. A task arising from collaboration marked the beginning of their responsibility to focus on the children's health, as it was affecting the way students wanted to learn. The task to be addressed through cooperation among the school management, teaching staff, and pediatrician became the following: How could the school become a place in which the pupils wanted to learn and could acquire Healthy habits, which in turn would contribute to an increase in their ability to concentrate and further their motivation? d. Solutions To show that the school is accountable and able to achieve its goals while improving the condition of each student, they created policies that would help their students. These policies are not just implemented but are put into action. a. Students are not allowed to leave the school b. Only healthy food is allowed in school c. Physical activity must be done, and d. Morning reading sessions are held daily. e. Results After 6 months of implementation, the following changes were observed: providing free breakfast every day for 25 students, the establishment of a canteen, free fruits available every day, lesson periods were reduced from 45 minutes to 30 minutes, daily exercise periods for all classes, leaving the school during class hours was prohibited, only healthy food in the school, all unhealthy food was confiscated, a focus on reading where everyone reads during the first quarter of an hour, and offering help to quit smoking from the Municipal smoking consultant. All these changes made the school accountable for improving the health of their students and made them more eager to study. Subsequent years of intervention in 2008 and 2009, doctors observation changes. The pupils are now focused, calm, and engaged in class, with positive interactions and more physical activity during breaks. Teachers are happier, more focused on their work, and no longer experience the frustration they once did. The number of sick leave notices has decreased, even though the demands of their work have increased. The principal is proud and active, has fostered a respectful environment and is now more approachable, positive, and supportive towards staff and students. From 2011 to 2012, parents are much more involved in their children’s schooling, school wins a large number of the school sports-meetings and they achieved the highest average exam result in the municipality of Helsingør in connection with the national 9th class final exam. f. Conclusion Being accountable is not just about accepting responsibility to solve a problem, it involves taking the necessary steps to achieve the set goals. Like a school in Denmark. Although the authorities once felt hopeless due to the condition of their school, they didn’t stop until they saw change. Even after 5 years, the school continues to implement policies to achieve the changes they wanted. Therefore, being accountable doesn’t end when you see change, it means continuing to work toward it, because those responsible for it must care about the school’s progress. Being accountable also doesn’t end with setting goals, it requires action so that the goals set are not just written down but lead to meaningful changes over time. 3. Participation Denmark's governance system is a parliamentary democracy, with the Folketing, the parliament, being a multi-party coalition. The prime minister is a leader from one of the coalition's stronger parties, while other coalition leaders may hold important roles. The current government, formed on December 15, 2022, consists of the Social Democratic Party, Liberal Party, and Moderates. Elections occur at least every four years, with the prime minister having the power to call an election at any time. The Danish Queen serves as the official head of government, primarily ceremonial.The Kingdom of Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The Folketing (parliament) is a unicameral body comprising 179 deputies from the three constituent Countries of the Kingdom, including 175 elected from Denmark and two each from the Faroe Islands and Greenland (Warsaw, 2023). Denmark is known for its strong democratic governance and high levels of citizen engagement. One of the key features of Danish governance is its emphasis on participation, where citizens are encouraged to take an active role in decision-making processes at both local and national levels. This case study focuses on the role of citizen participation in Denmark's Administration, particularly in local government and examines how inclusive participation models have shaped effective and responsive government. a. Problems/ Challenges While Denmark boasts a high level of trust and engagement, challenges may occur ensuring all citizens, including marginalized people can be affected. The main issue is how to maintain broad, inclusive, and effective public participation in decision-making processes especially for youth citizens of Denmark. Although Denmark generally has strong democratic systems, ensuring continuous and meaningful participation, especially for underrepresented groups, remains a challenge. Danish society faces challenges in youth participation, as young people are less active in public decision-making, impacting representative democracy and other public institutions. In 1997, the Danish Government passed the first coherent youth policy, with objectives outlined. Two examples of good practices are “Education to participation” and a nationwide project appointing 17 Danish municipalities as “Youth Municipalities” to increase local youth participation. The projects were terminated last year, and a complete evaluation is underway (Lehn, S., 2016). An Important factor influencing young people’s democratic participation in society is the strong youth wings of the political parties. Almost all the formally established parties have youth wings that function independently and are the perfect arena for youth to learn the political game and engage in societal matters on a larger, political level. It is also an easy transition into mainstream politics and the formal political parties after training in debate, election campaigning, political dialogue and organizational skills. b. Solutions Participation and citizenship are interconnected, with Denmark being a welfare state where citizens enjoy extensive social, political, and economic rights. Participation occurs at the macro level, where people contribute to national and local political institutions, and also exercise their citizenship by participating in civil society movements. In an open democratic system like Denmark, citizen participation is facilitated by interaction and communication between citizens and their representatives, with accountability playing a central role in the relationship between citizens and political parties they support (Somali, 2014). Denmark operates under a parliamentary democracy with a participatory governance model that emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness. Citizens play an active role in shaping public policy through various channels: i. General Elections Direct elections are elections in which eligible voters cast their vote directly for the candidate, candidates or political party that they would like to be elected into office. General elections in the UK are examples of direct elections, as eligible voters each cast their vote for the candidate they would like to represent their constituency in the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament. ii. Public Consultations Denmark has a robust tradition of involving citizens in policy making through regular public consultations. These consultations take place at various levels of government, allowing citizens to provide input on proposed legislation, policy changes, and local governance issues. iii. Local Democracy Denmark’s municipalities play a key role in fostering citizen participation through initiatives like citizen panels and participatory budgeting. These local systems enable citizens to discuss community needs, prioritize local projects, and vote on how budgets should be allocated, directly influencing local governance. c. Results i. Increased Public Trust Denmark’s strong focus on participation has led to high levels of public trust in government. The public feels their voices are heard and that decision-makers are responsive to their needs, enhancing the legitimacy of government actions. ii. More Inclusive Policies Through citizen engagement, Denmark has been able to develop more inclusive policies that reflect the diverse needs of its population. For example, the active participation of immigrant communities in consultations has shaped immigration policies to be more equitable and sensitive to cultural diversity. iii. Improved Policy Outcomes Involving citizens in decision-making often leads to better policy outcomes. For example, in housing and urban planning, consultations have allowed the government to tailor policies that address community concerns and ensure sustainable development. iv. Higher Voter Turnout Denmark’s focus on civic engagement and participation in governance has also contributed to high voter turnout rates in both local and national elections, underscoring the strong connection between government and its citizens. d. Recommendations i. Focus on Digital Inclusivity Denmark should continue to invest in digital literacy programs and accessible platforms to ensure that all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, have the ability to participate in governance processes. ii. Enhance Youth Engagement or Activities Encouraging more youth involvement in decision-making, particularly in policy areas that impact them directly (such as education, climate change, and employment), will help create a more engaged electorate in the future. iii. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation Denmark should develop mechanisms to track and evaluate the outcomes of participatory initiatives to ensure that they are not only symbolic but lead to tangible changes and improvements in governance. e. Conclusion In conclusion, the Danish governance demonstrated the effectiveness of active citizen participation in achieving an accountable and responsive government. The results of this study revealed the crucial role of inclusive participation in shaping public policies, the effectiveness of youth wing factions of political parties in influencing the youth to engage in larger political and societal matters, and the increase in public trust associated with the increase in government-citizen interaction. These insights suggest that Denmark should focus on implementing programs, policies, and systems that will encourage citizen participation, particularly among younger generations. 4. Efficiency Governance efficiency is a key component of Denmark's success, allowing the country to provide high-quality public services while maintaining trust in institutions and adapting to changing societal needs. By streamlining governmental administration and encouraging innovation, Denmark guarantees that resources are spent effectively, decisions are made quickly, and policies stay responsive. a. Digital Transformation of Denmark Denmark is a highly digital society where modern software and IT items are much sought for and where demand exists. It leads practically every research and survey on public sector digitalization. It has the largest use of digital services in the EU, as well as some of the highest levels of citizen satisfaction with public services worldwide. The Danish government's narrative demonstrates how public sector digital transformation can succeed. Denmark has had defined and deliberate digitalization targets in place for more than 20 years. The Ministry of Research and Information Technology listed many objectives in their 1999 study, “Digital Denmark: Conversion to the Network Society,” that set the course for the Danish Public Sector for the next two decades. These aims laid the groundwork for Denmark's development to become a global leader in digital government. First, they made sure the public could use digital technology more easily by educating them about digitalization. Second, by committing to digital administration, they want to upgrade outdated systems and provide efficient and effective digital public services to residents and government personnel. Third, by using the internet in their democracy and cultural activities, they achieved cultural shifts that were oriented on citizens rather than top-down politics. Some of the digital public services that they have include NemID and NemKonto. NemID, which translates to "easy ID," is the e-identification service that is essential for a digital Denmark. It allows Danish people and businesses to electronically identify themselves for all digital services, both public and private, as well as sign papers and log in to digital banking, health services, and taxes. NemKonto, which means "easy account," is a standard bank account that all Danish people over the age of 18 and enterprises must register with the government. These innovations make public services more accessible and efficient while reducing corruption risks. b. Digital Transformation of Public Administration Services in Denmark: A Process Tracing Case Study The case study includes an overview of Denmark's digitalization stance in respect to the rest of the EU, the basic digital policies and initiatives implemented by the Danish government over the previous two decades, and an assessment of the important parties participating in this process. There are several activities and transformative mechanisms that have led to Denmark's status as a global leader in digitization. The primary measures are reflected by the Danish government's digital policies and legislation, which were established and implemented since 2002. Each agenda/strategy builds on and expands upon the goals and objectives of the previous one. Additionally, the Danish administrative and political structures have evolved over time to accommodate e-government technologies and facilitate their implementation. Denmark's efficient public administration, combined with its emphasis on innovation and adaptation, creates a synergistic model for better governance. Denmark sets a global standard for modern governance systems by combining efficient service delivery with cutting-edge innovation. This approach not only ensures operational efficiency, but also allows the government to effectively manage complex, ever-changing difficulties. 5. Rule of Law Denmark’s strong adherence to the rule of law has been a critical factor in its reputation for good governance. The rule of law, which ensures that all actions of the government and individuals are subject to laws that are clear, predictable, and applied fairly and impartially, has contributed to Denmark’s good governance demonstrated by the following elements: 1. Judicial Independence The Danish judiciary is independent, ensuring that laws are applied impartially and free from political influence. Judges are appointed based on merit and operate under a system where legal decisions can be reviewed and appealed. Case: Danish Supreme Court ruling on the Nationalist Movement Party's flag-burning case. In this case, members of the Nationalist Movement Party were charged for burning the Turkish and EU flags during a protest. The case went through the lower courts, but eventually reached the Danish Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that the act of burning the flags was covered under the right to freedom of speech, which is protected by the Danish Constitution. This ruling demonstrated the independence of the judiciary, as the court made its decision based solely on legal principles and constitutional rights, without succumbing to political or public pressure. Such independence and adherence to the rule of law have significantly contributed to the overall good governance in Denmark. 2. Anti-Corruption Measures Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt countries globally (Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index). This is due to a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, strong legal frameworks and independent institutions to prevent and punish corrupt practices, and high levels of transparency in public administration and procurement processes. Case: Cum-Ex Tax Fraud Scandal The Cum-Ex case in Denmark is part of a broader European tax fraud scandal known as the “Cum-Ex-Files”, which involved banks, stock traders, and lawyers exploiting tax loopholes to reclaim billions of euros in dividend taxes. The scheme involved rapid trading of shares just before dividend payout dates, creating confusion about who was truly entitled to the dividend and its associated tax refund. This enabled multiple parties to claim ownership of the same shares and subsequently reclaim taxes multiple times. The most notable instance involves Sanjay Shah, a British hedge fund trader, who was found guilty of defrauding the Danish state of around 9 billion Danish crowns (approximately $1.27 billion) in dividend tax refunds between 2012 and 2015. Shah was sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding the country, highlighting the effectiveness of Denmark's legal system in addressing complex financial crimes. Denmark’s handling of this case shows the country’s ability to hold perpetrators accountable. The Danish authorities actively pursued legal action against individuals and entities involved in defrauding the state of billions of kroner. This demonstrated Denmark's commitment to upholding justice and maintaining financial integrity. Economic and Social Development Outcomes in Denmark Denmark's robust legal framework fosters a stable business environment by reducing risks and encouraging investment, while stringent anti-corruption measures, such as those seen in the prosecution of the Cum-Ex tax fraud scandal, build trust and promote fair competition. An efficient judiciary ensures timely dispute resolution, bolstering business confidence and smooth economic operations. On the social front, Denmark emphasizes the protection of fundamental rights, access to justice for all, and transparent public governance, with reforms ensuring inclusiveness, accountability, and trust in institutions. The Danish Supreme Court ruling on the Nationalist Movement Party's flag-burning case and the handling of the Cum-Ex scandal underscore the importance of upholding the rule of law in promoting good governance. Other countries can learn from Denmark's example by adopting strong legal frameworks, prioritizing anti-corruption efforts, enhancing judicial efficiency, and fostering transparency to support both economic growth and social stability. BAD GOVERNANCE 1. Immigration and Integration Denmark has seen an increase in immigration over the past 30 years, with a large part of the immigrants originating from non-Western countries. As of 2014, more than 8 percent of the population of Denmark consists of immigrants. As of Q2 of 2022, the population of immigrants is 652,495, excluding Danish born descendants of immigrants to Denmark. This shift in demographics has posed challenges to the nation as it attempts to address cultural and religious differences, labour shortages, employment gaps, education of immigrants and their descendants, spatial segregation, crime rates and language abilities. More recent Danish policy toward immigrants has become more harsh with some calling the policies far-right. a. Religion Although religious demographics of immigrants to Denmark remain unclear, the perceived religious differences between immigrants and native Danes are a central theme in the political immigration debate.Negative public attitudes toward immigration in Denmark have been linked with negative views of Islam and its perceived incompatibility with Danish Protestant ethics and democratic values. Indeed, the former Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen has been quoted, urging immigrants to Denmark to "not put the Qur’an above the Constitution" following the events of 9/11 in 2001, noting a perceived disconnection between Islamic ideals and the Danish democratic state. b. Crime Immigrants and men and women of immigrant descent in Denmark are over-represented in crime statistics. A study of crime statistics from 1990 to 2001 found a greater proportion of non-Western immigrant and descendant populations are convicted of committing a crime than Western immigrants and descendants and their Danish peers. The same study suggested that descendants of immigrants were found to have a slightly higher crime rate than immigrant populations. The incidence of crime within male second-generation populations of non-Western descent has been rising, with more than a 60% increase in crimes committed by members of this demographic group between 2007 and 2012. This growing crime rate has put pressure on politicians to design a new legislature to deter criminal activity. In February 2014, the Danish Minister of Justice suggested that child support be cut to immigrant families with youth found guilty of a crime.Currently, an immigrant convicted of a serious crime is excluded from obtaining right to permanent residence. c. Language In 1973, the first policy regarding immigrant language acquisition was enacted. This law required all foreign workers in Denmark to complete 40 hours of language instruction within a month of their arrival in Denmark. The Ministry of Social Affairs expanded this requirement in 1975 from 40 hours to 180 hours of language instruction accompanied by 40 hours of courses to introduce workers to norms of Danish society. Conclusion Overall, Denmark is struggling to handle the rapid increase of immigrants which forced them to create laws and policies just only for them. And by also trying to avoid violating their rights as a human which is a one factor why they struggle. 2. Ineffective Institutions Denmark is generally recognized for its effective institutions and high levels of transparency. However, certain sectors have faced challenges impacting their effectiveness: Financial Institutions and Human Rights Compliance A 2023 benchmark by the Danish Institute for Human Rights revealed that many of Denmark's largest private financial institutions struggle to align their activities with the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. The study highlighted deficiencies in demonstrating human rights considerations, with pension funds performing better than banks, insurance companies, and investment management firms. Offshore Wind Energy Sector In December 2024, Denmark's offshore wind power tender in the North Sea failed to attract any bids. Analysts attributed this to a rigid auction model and a lack of adaptation to changing economic conditions, including rising costs and interest rates. This outcome was a setback for Denmark, a pioneer in wind energy, and highlighted the need for policy adjustments to maintain the sector's effectiveness. Law Enforcement and Research Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of police work in Denmark. Experts point out the absence of a dedicated research institution to evaluate and inform policing practices, which could enhance the quality and effectiveness of law enforcement. Welfare State and Surveillance Denmark's welfare state has faced criticism for evolving into a surveillance system. Efforts to combat welfare fraud have led to extensive data collection and monitoring, raising concerns about privacy and the balance between security and individual rights. Homelessness Despite a comprehensive welfare system, Denmark faces challenges with homelessness. Estimates suggest that there are between 10,000 to 15,000 homeless individuals in the country, indicating areas where social support systems may need improvement. While Denmark's institutions are largely effective, these examples illustrate areas where improvements are necessary to address emerging challenges and maintain institutional integrity. 3. Over Regulation in Denmark Denmark receives global recognition for both its extensive social welfare framework and environmental protection framework even though its extensive regulatory system remains an area of public dispute. Both regulations and sustainability standards aim to keep living conditions sustainable yet businesses face criticism that their increasing scrutiny reduces competitiveness and stops innovation dead in its tracks. A comprehensive case study examines the excessive regulation challenges facing Danish businesses and specifically monitors small business and entrepreneurial operations. The Argument for Strict Regulation: Advocates of Denmark's regulatory framework emphasize its importance in upholding: High Social Standards: Strict worker safety measures pair with labor laws while social security features work to create an equitable society which ensures high quality living standards through protective worker rights. Environmental Protection: Environmentally robust laws fulfill two essential national purposes: safeguarding Denmark's natural resources and enabling sustainable economic operations that confront climate change. Consumer Protection: Products remain safe and consumer rights receive full protection under strong comprehensive consumer protection laws which builds trust in the marketplace Transparency and Accountability: Strong regulations establishing fair competition while stopping corruption build a stable business framework that serves the welfare of the whole society. The Criticism of Over Regulation: On the other hand, critics, particularly from the entrepreneurial and small business sectors, argue that Denmark's regulatory framework imposes excessive burdens, leading to: Stifled Innovation: A tangled regulatory system requires substantial effort and financial resources to manage which drains resources away from startup development and business expansion for small organizations. Reduced Competitiveness: High business compliance costs in Denmark limit international competitiveness which leads local companies to move operations to countries with laxer regulatory requirements. Bureaucratic Inefficiency: The extensive regulatory framework characterized by multiple layers of rules creates prolonged delays for essential permit processes which disrupts both business operations and business expansion opportunities. Increased Costs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter substantially more financial stress when complying with regulations because they must bear the full weight of legal costs and regulatory requirement investments. Case Study Examples: Permitting Processes: Entrepreneurs constantly identify Denmark's extended multiple stage permit application system as a major impediment to business startup. Entrepreneurs experience considerable delays in business development because they must successfully traverse numerous regulatory organizations and administrative systems which increases both time and uncertainty in new initiatives. Labor Regulations: The strict labor laws introduced to protect workers become complicated barriers that businesses encounter when they need rapid market adaptation or want better staffing flexibility. Environmental Regulations: Energy-intensive industries face substantial expenses when following rigorous environmental policies since they affect both profits and industry endurance. Denmark faces an ongoing dispute about regulation strength because it requires a proper equilibrium between protective frameworks and economic development alongside innovative operational capabilities. Attaining equilibrium in regulation demands analyzing complete cost-benefits profiles and implementing streamlined administrative policies as well as extended business support services focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to succeed in the regulatory framework. Businesses would benefit from simplified regulations combined with improved transparency features and tailored aid for effective regulatory compliance. The democratic conversation currently unfolding in Denmark presents essential learning to nations which encounter comparable regulatory issues. 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