Today’s big topic: Even after a huge setback, 2026 offers silver linings for rail
Train travel can be leisurely and require a few changes, but it offers stunning scenery, some quiet time, and a feeling of adventure if you’re in the right mindset.
What’s happening?
Despite the cancellation of the Basel–Copenhagen night train, 2026 still looks bright for rail. On May 1, DSB/DB/ČD launch a direct Prague–Copenhagen route via Berlin with two daily ComfortJet departures and an extra late-night summer run.
Snälltåget debuts a Stockholm–Hamburg day train, while SJ’s X2000 returns on Copenhagen–Stockholm before summer—both with dining cars. A new Haparanda–Tornio link will finally make a Denmark-to-Helsinki journey doable entirely by rail.
Night services expand as European Sleeper adds Amsterdam/Brussels–Milan and takes over Berlin–Paris, and ÖBB rolls out more next‑gen Nightjets. Elsewhere, a new TGV generation starts on Paris–Marseille, Austria’s Koralm line cuts times (e.g., Vienna–Venice by 45 minutes), rumored SBB/Trenitalia links from Zurich to Livorno and Rome emerge, and direct Belgrade–Vienna and –Budapest services are expected by July.
Why it matters!
The new EU rail routes make international train travel a credible alternative to flying and driving, advancing Denmark’s climate goals. They tighten Denmark’s integration into Europe’s mobility networks and open economic opportunities for both Copenhagen and the regions.
More competition from foreign and private operators can improve prices, service quality, and bolster political support for rail investment. Stronger links to the Nordics and Central/Southeast Europe also enhance connectivity and resilience in times of disruption.
Still curious? Read the full article here.
In other news
– The minister wants Danish judges to take the lead and challenge established practice
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wants Danish law to mandate deportation for foreign nationals sentenced to at least one year, even if they have family ties, aiming to push beyond current ECHR case law. Minister Rasmus Stoklund plans to legislate by summer, banking on a hoped-for shift in Strasbourg after a 27-country statement, while acknowledging procedural risk. He says it will mean more deportations and denies pre-election posturing, as critics warn the move may conflict with existing human rights obligations. Read the full article here.
– Novo Nordisk hangs on to crucial China patent
According to Ritzau, China’s Supreme Court has upheld Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide patent, affirming an earlier Beijing patent court ruling—a »very positive« decision, according to CEO Mike Doustdar, that he says boosts confidence in foreign firms and innovation in China. With China emerging as a key market for Wegovy and Ozempic, Novo’s shares rose about 1.6% on the year’s first trading day; the ruling secures patent protection in China even as expiries vary globally (2031–2032 in the EU/US, 2026 in several other countries).
– Buying a flat for your kid is still a thing—but more parents are switching tactics
First-time buyers in Denmark’s capital typically put down about 60% of annual household income, often with help from family loans or transfers—driving a shift from traditional »parent-buy« arrangements to »indirect« parent-buy, where the child owns and parents fund via loans. Advisors say this avoids tax pitfalls and shifting »special circumstances« that can trigger hefty bills on family transfers, though running costs for the child may be higher and banks still count family loans in debt ratios and affordability checks. If opting for the traditional route, experts recommend a binding ruling from the tax authority or tax safeguards to prevent disputes.
Talk of town: Experts left puzzled by the PM’s new deportation plan
PM Mette Frederiksen (Socialdemokratiet) gives her New Year’s address at Marienborg in Kongens Lyngby, Thursday, January 1, 2026. (Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix)
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has proposed a deportation reform to expel foreign nationals sentenced to at least one year in prison, regardless of their ties to Denmark, aiming to push beyond current ECHR practice. The government cites a joint declaration signed by 27 Council of Europe countries as momentum and plans to legislate before summer, without waiting for formal adoption.
Former human rights adviser Christoffer Badse calls the move largely symbolic, noting current law already permits extensive deportations and warning against undermining the human rights system. He cautions that legislating before the declaration is adopted risks misalignment with ECHR case law and potential convention breaches.
Professor emeritus Jens Vedsted-Hansen argues the PM is overselling the declaration, which does not change the convention or immediately justify new Danish legislation. Overall, the reform’s actual impact on Danish legal practice remains uncertain.
Read the full article here.
This newsletter features stories originally published in Danish. AI was used to shorten and translate the articles into English, after which a member of the editorial staff reviewed and refined the content.