The winning recipes of the Danish model for reducing unemployment, by Torben M. Andersen

Danish economist Torben M. Andersen argues that Denmark’s labor market model offers valuable lessons for other nations seeking to reduce unemployment. Writing for L’Express during the French presidential debate, Andersen highlighted how Denmark maintains low unemployment rates among both young workers and long-term job seekers. He noted that the country, alongside the Netherlands, records the highest rate of transition from unemployment to employment within the European Union. Andersen, a professor at Aarhus University, was invited by the Institut de l’Entreprise to present expert proposals. His analysis focuses on the concept of flexicurity, which he describes as a key virtue of the Danish system. The article, published on October 29, 2026, examines the distinctive features of this model and suggests implications for other countries. In contrast to the Danish success story, current data from France reveals persistent structural challenges in its labor market. The director general of France Travail stated that despite the national unemployment rate reaching record highs, forty-four percent of companies continue to face recruitment difficulties. This observation underscores a mismatch between available jobs and the workforce, even amid high overall joblessness. While Andersen’s piece emphasizes the effectiveness of the Danish approach in facilitating smooth transitions into work, the comments regarding France indicate that high aggregate unemployment does not necessarily reflect a lack of demand for specific skills or roles. The Danish example is often cited because of its historical consistency in keeping joblessness low across different demographic groups. Andersen’s contribution forms part of a series where leading experts offer economic insights during the political campaign. The discussion centers on policy mechanisms that might replicate Danish outcomes elsewhere. The reference to Novo, the Danish pharmaceutical giant based in Copenhagen, serves as a visual anchor for the nation’s industrial strength. However, the core argument remains focused on labor market dynamics rather than corporate performance. The juxtaposition of Denmark’s efficient job placement with France’s recruitment struggles highlights divergent outcomes in European labor markets. No specific legislative changes were detailed in the provided text beyond the general advocacy for the flexicurity framework. The report concludes by leaving the potential adoption of these measures to further political deliberation.