The Öresund Bridge, which celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 1 with the presence of both the Danish and Swedish royal couples, was once hailed as a symbol of closer ties between Denmark and Sweden. After its opening in 2000, the number of Danish citizens living in Sweden rose sharply, from approximately 25,600 to around 40,500 within a decade. Many Danes moved to Skåne, the southernmost region of Sweden, often drawn by lower housing costs and the appeal of cross-border living.
However, new data from Intelligence Watch, reported by Dagens industri, indicates that this trend has reversed. As of 2025, only about 24,900 Danes reside in Sweden — a figure lower than before the bridge was built. This marks a significant decline over the past 15 years, particularly in Skåne.
Crime fears and changing perceptions fuel Danish exodus
Analysts point to several reasons behind the decrease in Danish residents in Sweden. Anders Olshov of Intelligence Watch suggests that concerns about violent crime, including shootings and gang activity often highlighted in Danish media, may have contributed to what he calls an “anti-Swedish trend.” This climate of fear, he argues, has discouraged Danes from settling across the border and even prompted many to sell their vacation homes in Sweden and return to Denmark.
While the Öresund region was once promoted as a seamless cross-border zone meant to foster integration, these latest figures indicate a more complex reality. The optimism surrounding the bridge’s inauguration and the so-called “Öresund effect” seems to have waned, replaced by heightened caution and shifting priorities among Danes.
Regional cooperation still strong despite demographic shift
Despite the decline in Danish residents, institutional and economic ties across the Öresund Strait remain robust. The bridge continues to facilitate daily commuting and trade, supporting thousands of cross-border workers and businesses. Moreover, the anniversary celebrations highlighted the ongoing commitment of both countries to regional cooperation, even as demographic patterns evolve.
The situation underscores the importance of addressing public perceptions and ensuring safety and integration efforts continue to underpin the vision that inspired the building of the Öresund Bridge a quarter of a century ago.
