Energinet spends 277,295 DKK on Denmark's Folkemødet, sparking cost debate

Energinet, a state-owned utility under Denmark's Climate, Energy and Supply Ministry, spent a total of 277,295 DKK to attend the 2023 Folkemødet on Bornholm. The nine employees incurred 147,420 DKK, including 95,685 DKK for accommodation with breakfast, 38,728 DKK for transport, 13,007 DKK for meals and drinks, and 7,045 DKK for a team dinner at Restaurant Kokkenberg. This made Energinet the highest‑spending authority among 24 municipalities and public bodies in Region Syddanmark.

Regional politician Bo Libergren defended the expense, saying the meeting provides essential dialogue with citizens, organisations, researchers and health‑sector actors, and helps shape regional block‑grant policy. He acknowledged the high cost, especially for transport and lodging, and noted that two council members withdrew after reservations were made, leaving the region to cover part of the outlay.