A proposal by Jens-Kristian Lütken, Copenhagen’s Mayor for Employment and Integration (Beskæftigelses- og integrationsborgmester), to develop the artificial island Peberholm with hotels, conference centres and apartments has stirred immediate criticism from environmental experts. The island, created during the construction of the Øresund Bridge and protected as a Natura 2000 site for 25 years, is currently off-limits to the public and home to a unique ecosystem.
Lütken, a member of the Liberal Party (Venstre), envisions Peberholm as a strategic hub between Denmark and Sweden, highlighting its easy access via motorway and railway. In his view, the island could help address Copenhagen’s space shortage and boost cross-border economic activity in the Øresund Region.
“We are not using the full potential of a shared labour market in the Øresund Region,” Lütken told Danish broadcaster TV 2 Kosmopol.
Nature conservation and legal hurdles
Environmentalists have rejected the idea as unrealistic and legally problematic. Biologist Knud N. Flensted from the Danish Ornithological Society (Dansk Ornitologisk Forening) warned that Denmark is bound by the EU Birds Directive and Habitats Directive to protect Peberholm’s biodiversity.
The island hosts more than 600 plant species and is a breeding ground for around 30 bird species, some of which do not nest anywhere else in Denmark. All of this biodiversity developed naturally, without human interference, making Peberholm an exceptional case of ecological self-regeneration.
“There are too many species tied to this area that would not survive urban development,” said Flensted. “I’m convinced it can’t be done.”
Lütken acknowledged the legal complexities but maintained that a business-oriented vision for the island should be considered during upcoming budget negotiations.
Political ambitions vs protected status
The proposal, still in its early stages, is unlikely to move forward without broad political support and significant legal revisions. As a Natura 2000 area, Peberholm is strictly protected due to its value for birdlife and other species. Changing its status would require overcoming both national conservation rules and EU obligations.
Lütken argued that the island’s artificial origin makes its natural status debatable, and suggested that the nearby island Saltholm could fulfil biodiversity requirements. However, experts dispute this, noting that certain species are exclusive to Peberholm.
Despite the biological and regulatory barriers, Venstre plans to include the idea in future discussions about urban development and regional integration across the Øresund.
