Løkke admits harmful policy impact on oceans

Former Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledges implementing policies that harmed the marine environment. His recognition coincides with a new initiative from his party, Moderaterne, aimed at strengthening efforts within the EU to improve marine conditions, including the introduction of stricter requirements for member states’ management of aquatic environments. The issues facing the Danish marine environment partly originate from a 2015 agricultural agreement that increased farmers’ nitrogen usage and relied on voluntary regulation, an approach that has failed. Despite expert warnings about the potential harm, Løkke’s government approved the deal. Reflecting on these decisions, Løkke expresses regret that skeptics proved correct, and as the leader of Moderaterne, emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes. The change in approach is welcomed by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation.