Denmark's Ghetto Law Faces Scrutiny at European Court of Justice

Denmark faces allegations at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding its 2018 ghetto package, aimed at improving integration through demolishing minority-heavy neighbourhoods. The policy's classification of 'ethnic origin' as including 'non-Western' backgrounds may be deemed racially discriminatory. A preliminary hearing by the ECJ will guide subsequent Danish court decisions.

Denmark is set to defend its controversial ghetto policy at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) this Monday. The policy, introduced in 2018, aims to integrate minorities by tearing down social housing in designated 'ghettos,' which some argue amounts to racial discrimination.

The Nordic nation, known for its stringent immigration policies, has achieved certain successes with high language proficiency and employment rates among non-Western migrants. However, the 2018 plan has sparked considerable backlash from affected communities.

The legal challenge arose when residents from the Mjolnerparken area in Copenhagen argued that being labeled under the term 'ethnic origin,' used to describe people of color in these neighbourhoods, is discriminatory. The ECJ's preliminary ruling will help the Danish court make a final decision on the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)