Denmark passes law prohibiting display of foreign flags on flagpoles

COPENHAGEN, Denmark

Denmark's parliament on Tuesday evening passed a new law prohibiting the display of foreign flags on flagpoles in the country beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in a statement that "Dannebrog (Danish flag) is the most important national symbol we have in Denmark. It unites Danes as a people and should have a special status."

"I am pleased that Parliament has supported this by reinstating rules on flagging, ensuring that only Dannebrog can be flown in Denmark as a general rule."

However, the law will not apply to the flags of Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, or Germany. Additionally, flags representing regional or international organizations, such as the UN and EU, will be permitted.

In exceptional cases, the Justice Minister may grant exemptions from the ban, as seen recently with the Ukrainian flag.

The ban applies only to flags on flagpoles, while flags displayed at demonstrations, sporting events, or other public gatherings will be unaffected. Foreign embassies and consulates in Denmark will be permitted to hoist their national flags on their premises.

Last year, the government repealed a century-old rule in Denmark that prohibited the use of foreign flags after a Supreme Court ruling declared it invalid. The verdict prompted the Ministry of Justice to draft new legislation to reinstate Denmark's strict rules on foreign flags.