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Factsheet for measure DK-2022-39/3593 Updated – measures in Denmark

The governments' 2030 plan

Regeringens 2030 plan

Country Denmark , applies nationwide
Time period Temporary, 22 September 2022 – 31 December 2029
Context Green Transition
Type Other initiatives or policies
Category Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery into a green future
– Strategic plans and programmes
Author Carsten Jørgensen (FAOS, University of Copenhagen), Louise Fabricius (Oxford Research) and Eurofound
Measure added 28 November 2024 (updated 02 October 2025)

Background information

The Danish government's 2030 plan was initiated to address long-term economic, social, and environmental challenges, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future. The plan focuses on green transition, welfare, security, and securing that the transition is just aiming to balance economic growth with social justice and environmental sustainability. Regulatory measures include reforms to increase employment, investments in green technologies, and enhancements in public welfare services. The legal framework supporting this plan is outlined in the Finance Act and related legislative amendments, which provide the necessary financial and regulatory backing for its initiatives

Content of measure

The Danish government's 2030 plan includes several measures to ensure a just transition, focusing on equitable and sustainable development. The plan covers various sectors, including green energy, welfare, and employment. Eligibility criteria for support are broad, targeting low-income households, small businesses, and sectors most affected by the green transition. Specific measures include subsidies for renewable energy projects, financial aid for retraining workers, and investments in public welfare services.

In monetary terms, the plan allocates a total of 48 billion DKK towards these initiatives, with DKK 2.5 billion (€335.2 million) specifically earmarked for green transition efforts. Individual support amounts vary, with significant funds directed towards energy efficiency upgrades and job retraining programs. For example, households may receive up to DKK 50,000 (€ 6700)for energy-efficient home improvements, while businesses can access grants of up to DKK 500,000 (€ 67000) DKK for green technology investments.

Updates

The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.

26 August 2025

Overall, there are not many signs pointing to the green transition in the 2030 plan has been directly delayed or rolled back. There is still an ongoing political focus on adjusting and optimizing the allocated funds and initiatives to ensure an effective and ambitious transition.

However, concerns have been raised regarding Denmark's 2030 CO2 target and the delays in the developments of renewable energy infrastructures. Denmark has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 46% compared to 1990 levels. The government’s target is a reduction of 50–54% by 2025 and 70% by 2030. The Climate Council (Klimarådet) assesses in 2023 that Denmark is on track to meet the 2025 target but emphasizes the need for continued efforts, especially in the agricultural sector.

The Danish Parliament decided in 2022 to quadruple the production of onshore renewable energy by 2030 at the latest. In 2024, the solar panel strategy was implemented to support a market-driven expansion of solar panels. However, barriers and delays in the development of onshore renewable energy have been reported.

06 November 2023

In the November 2023 update of the Danish government's 2030 plan, several new initiatives were introduced to enhance the plan's effectiveness and scope. Key updates included increased investments in green technologies and renewable energy projects to accelerate the green transition. There were also new measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable practices. Additionally, the update introduced expanded job retraining programs to help workers transition to new industries, particularly those related to green energy and technology. These programs are supported through increased investments in vocational education and adult upskilling, particularly targeting sectors undergoing transformation. Enhanced social welfare initiatives were also included to ensure that vulnerable populations receive adequate support during the transition. This includes strengthened social protection through expanded funding for health and mental health services, targeted support for low-income groups, and a focus on reducing inequalities caused by rising energy and living costs. In the November 2023 update of the Danish government's 2030 plan, several new financial allocations were introduced. The plan included an additional DKK 32 billion (€4.3 billion) for welfare improvements, focusing on health, psychiatry, and education. Furthermore, DKK 3 billion (DKK 400 million) was allocated to attract and retain skilled workers in the public sector through better wages and working conditions. These efforts contribute to fair labor practices by improving employment conditions and ensuring decent work in key welfare sectors. For the green transition, a new reserve of DKK 4.25 billion (€ 570 million) was set aside to further invest in sustainable initiatives. These updates aim to enhance the plan's impact on social equity and environmental sustainability.

Use of measure

The Danish government's 2030 plan aims to support approximately 40,000 full-time workers by 2030 through various initiatives. This includes subsidies for green energy projects, financial aid for retraining workers, and investments in public welfare services. As of now, around 18,000 individuals and companies have benefited from these measures. The effectiveness of these initiatives will be evaluated in future updates to ensure they meet the goals of a just transition, balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability.

Target groups

Workers Businesses Citizens
Applies to all workers Applies to all businesses Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors Funding
National government
Social partners jointly
Trade unions
Employers' organisations
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)
Local / regional government
Public support service providers
Companies
European Funds
Local funds
National funds
Social partners jointly

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

Trade unions Employers' organisations
Role Consulted Consulted
Form Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

  • Social partners jointly
  • Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

Social partners were actively involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the Danish government's 2030 plan. Their involvement was both requested by the institutional setting and demanded by the social partner organisations. Key organisations involved included employers' organisations, trade unions, and NGOs. These partners contributed by providing input on policy needs, ensuring fair labor practices, and supporting the green transition. They also played a role in monitoring the effectiveness of the measures to ensure they met the goals of a just transition.

Views and reactions

Social partners have generally been supportive of the Danish government's 2030 plan. Employers' organisations appreciate the focus on improving business conditions and supporting the green transition, which they believe will enhance competitiveness and innovation. Trade unions and other employee representations are also largely in agreement, particularly valuing the emphasis on fair labor practices, job retraining programs, and social protection.

Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2024), The governments' 2030 plan , measure DK-2022-39/3593 (measures in Denmark), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/DK-2022-39_3593.html

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Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.