Denmark reforms coastal protection funding criteria

A political majority in Denmark has decided to reform the state's Coastal Pool (Kystpuljen), which manages 778 million DKK for the 2027-2029 period. The new criteria aim to prioritize nature-based coastal protection over traditional concrete and steel solutions.

Under the new model, applications may be rejected if they do not sufficiently account for nature, the environment, and biodiversity. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate how they will reduce the extraction of new raw materials, such as sand and gravel, during the implementation of coastal protection projects.

Another significant change involves the risk assessment process. House prices will no longer be a factor in determining support. Instead, the assessment will focus on the number of permanent residences, buildings, and people in an area to ensure that the protection of citizens' homes is weighted equally, regardless of property value.