Denmark’s ‘ghetto law’ targeting ‘parallel societies’ may be unlawful, EU court rules

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that Denmark's "ghetto law," officially targeting "parallel societies," may be unlawful under EU race equality directives. The controversial 2018 law allows the state to demolish apartment blocks in areas with a majority "non-western" background and unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, requiring a 40% reduction in social housing by 2030. The ECJ's preliminary ruling stated the law might lead to discriminatory lease terminations and evictions compared to similar areas with lower immigration. The Danish courts must now determine if the law, despite neutral wording, disproportionately disadvantages specific ethnic groups. Residents of Copenhagen's Mjølnerparken neighborhood, a key target of the law, are confident they can overturn the legislation in Danish courts following the EU ruling.