Opposition to the Danish Government’s CO2 tax grows, as the fishing industry and political opposition raises objections to the plan
The Danish fishing industry has united in opposition to the government’s proposed CO2 tax, which many fear could devastate the sector.
With the tax set to take effect at the start of 2025, fishermen, industry organisations, and politicians are sounding the alarm over its potentially disastrous impacts.
Industry Under Pressure
Prominent voices, including Søren Smalbro, Mayor of Hjørring Municipality and Chairman of the North Jutland Fishing Municipality Network, have sharply criticised the tax. Smalbro described the proposal as “so foolish I can hardly describe it,” underscoring the lack of viable alternatives to diesel fuel currently available for fishermen.
“It is critical that the government finds a solution to ensure the CO2 tax does not dismantle fishing in Denmark,” Smalbro said. Other regional mayors and political parties, including the Denmark Democrats and the Conservatives, have joined the call for action.
Economic and Competitive Concerns
Per Larsen, the Conservative fisheries spokesperson, has proposed either postponing the tax until alternative fuels are available or providing a full refund of the tax revenue to affected fishermen. “There’s no green benefit to imposing a tax that forces fishermen to refuel in foreign ports and sell their most climate-friendly vessels,” Larsen argued.
Larsen highlighted that, in addition to disadvantaging Danish fishermen on the global stage, the tax has already prompted the sale of newer, more efficient vessels to foreign buyers. He warned of a severe imbalance as other nations subsidise fuel while Denmark imposes additional costs.
Labour Union Warnings
The 3F labour union has voiced concerns that the tax will lead to wage reductions and significant job losses. Karsten Kristensen, Vice-Chairman of 3F Transport, emphasised that fishermen are uniquely vulnerable because their earnings are directly tied to catch value, which will be squeezed by the tax.
“This tax will unfairly penalise fishermen, causing wage cuts and jeopardising employment throughout the supply chain,” Kristensen said. He called for a delay in implementing the tax or full compensation for both fishermen and workers in related industries.
Political Efforts for Change
Representatives of Denmark’s Fishermen’s Association and the Pelagic Producers Organisation have sent an urgent letter to government leaders, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, pleading for a delay or compensation scheme.
The letter stressed that fishermen support the green transition but lack access to sustainable fuel alternatives. “We strongly urge the government to find a solution that spares Danish fishing from bearing the full cost of this transition,” the letter stated.
Regional Mayors Join the Outcry
Mayors from North and West Jutland have echoed concerns about the tax’s economic fallout. They warn that losing fishing fleets will have a cascading effect on coastal economies, harming fish auctions, local tradespeople, and related businesses.
“Fishing is a lifeline for our communities. Without immediate action, we risk losing not only fishermen but entire support industries,” Smalbro explained.
Wider Political Pushback
Kristoffer Storm, a Denmark Democrats Member of the European Parliament, has condemned the tax as “deeply unfair and harmful to Denmark.” He criticised its timing and the lack of viable green alternatives for fishermen.
“This is a poor decision on every level,” Storm said. “Instead of imposing additional costs on fishermen, we should encourage Danes to eat more fish, given its health benefits.”
Storm has raised the issue with the European Commission but reported no relief from Brussels, leaving the matter squarely in the hands of Denmark’s government.
Clock Ticking Towards Implementation
With only weeks until the tax takes effect, fishermen and industry advocates are intensifying their efforts to delay or amend the policy. Critics warn that up to half the Danish fishing fleet could disappear, along with thousands of jobs in coastal communities.
Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen has yet to publicly comment on the matter. However, opposition leaders and stakeholders are urging him to intervene and prevent what they describe as an existential crisis for Danish fishing.
“If this tax proceeds as planned, it could spell the end of Danish fishing as we know it,” warned one industry leader. “Minister Jensen must step up and act before it’s too late.”
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