DENMARK

Though Denmark values electoral fairness and the rule of law highly, recent anti-terror legislation and integration difficulties have sounded a dissonant note.

Anti-terror laws have weakened police oversight. Discrimination against immigrants, particularly Muslims, is forbidden but exists in practice.

Media freedom has been threatened, both by the violent reactions following the 2005 publication of Mohammed caricatures, and by recent criminal charges against journalists.

With unemployment rates at historic lows, Denmark's "flexicurity" model – combining a flexible labor market with active social support – has been highly praised.

However, general macroeconomic conditions have also aided growth. Tax burdens are relatively high, but some international corporations are able to avoid paying. Budgets have been stable and in surplus.

Long-term plans provide guidelines for budget balances, growth in public spending, and other goals.

Social cohesion is a national priority for Danes, who enjoy greater income and social equality than most other OECD peers.

However, immigrant communities are a growing problem, with low employment and education rates.

Above-average public health-care spending allows for universal high-quality health care. Family policies provide substantial support for working mothers.

Pension system reforms are ongoing.

Denmark participates in UN and NATO operations, but – controversially – has opted out of EU defense policies.

Integration policy has proved problematic, failing to integrate immigrants fully into the labor market, or to prevent xenophobic attitudes among the citizenry.

Danish policymakers have paid close attention to issues of long-term sustainability.

Economic growth has taken place against a background of high environmental standards, and growing renewable energy use.

Research policy has sought to stimulate technological innovation, though sometimes falling short. School spending is high, but debate over middling educational results persists.

Strategic planning plays an important role in Danish policy-making, with long-range economic and social plans common.

A minority, coalition government has made it difficult to coordinate action and communication.

Comprehensive RIAs are required for legislation and new regulations.

Governments have a long tradition of involving economic and social actors in policy-making and implementation.

As a minority coalition, the government in this period was forced to compromise frequently, but nevertheless won parliamentary passage for all of its bills.

Vetoes are of little concern. No second chamber or constitutional court exists, and the monarch has no right to declare laws unconstitutional.

The prime minister's institutional strength was strengthened by previous office-holders.

A small, open country, Denmark has long adapted itself to external influences. The most prominent example is integration within the European Union.

Particularly with regard to its "flexicurity" labor model, Denmark has served as a policy model for other countries.

Self-monitoring is a continuous and institutionalized aspect of Danish government.

Institutional reforms can be implemented easily since the Constitution leaves much room for discretion and flexible arrangements.

Danes are well-informed about both national and EU politics, though the quality of news reporting may be sinking.

The legislature's oversight ability has increased significantly over recent decades, and has one of the world's oldest ombuds offices.

Associations generally propose reasonable policies, and are correspondingly influential.