The decision to enhance visible and preventive police efforts to combat crime in areas close to the border was made in response to recent events in Copenhagen and Stockholm. These include two explosions near the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen and gunfire directed at the Israeli outpost in Stockholm.
“Unfortunately, recent events confirm that the terrorist threat against Denmark is serious. We are closely monitoring the current situation, assessing its relevance to the overall threat landscape, and implementing necessary security measures on an ongoing basis,” says Peter Ekebjærg, Chief Inspector of Police, as quoted in an official release from the Danish authorities.
Enhanced police efforts will focus on preventing crimes that pose a threat to individuals and will be carried out through random checks on vehicles and travellers at the borders with Sweden and Germany.
“This is a temporary measure, and the necessity will be assessed continuously,” emphasised the police in the press release.
Swedes extend controls
In turn, the Swedish Ministry of the Interior has informed the European Commission that it has extended border controls at all internal borders—land, air, and sea. Sweden justifies this decision by citing the serious threat to public order and internal security caused by recent terrorist events and serious crime linked to the ongoing armed conflict among organised crime groups and gangs.
The controls were originally set to expire on 11 November this year but have now been extended until 11 May 2025.