As we see in the New Year, one country has taken on a resolution prohibiting foreign flags from being flown.

The Danish parliament passed a new law on Tuesday banning most foreign flags on flagpoles in Denmark from January 1st, 2025, the Ministry of Justice said in a press statement.

“The prohibition will include flying from a flagpole the following national flags of other countries,” states the regulation, “such as the Russian national flag, the American flag, the Spanish flag; flags of regions from other countries, such as American state flags, the Catalan flag or the Tibetan flag; flags that can be equated with national or regional flags from other countries, such as the Palestinian flag.”

However, others will be permitted, such as those from countries neighbouring Denmark, like Germany, Finland or Norway, or flags representing international associations and institutions like the UN or the European Union.

It will also remain legal to fly rainbow flags, pirate flags, and flags with various logos or trademarks.

Violations of the ban will typically result in fines.

A century-old rule banning foreign flags in Denmark was withdrawn by the government in 2023 after a Supreme Court case ruled it no longer valid.

That led the Justice Ministry to write new legislation securing the return of Denmark’s strict rules on foreign flags.

The new law has caused controversy due to its impact on places such as refugee centres, where flags are a symbol of immigrant communities residing in the country—approximately one-fifth of the population. However, Danish streets have always been characterised by a pronounced presence of the national flag.

“Dannebrog [the Danish flag] is the most important national symbol we have in Denmark. It is a symbol that unites Danes as a people and should have a very special status in Denmark,” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in the statement.

“That’s why I am pleased that parliament has supported this special status by reinstating rules on flagging, ensuring that only Dannebrog can be flown in Denmark as a general rule,” he added.

The ban will only apply to flying flags from flagpoles, meaning banners and flags at demonstrations or sporting events will not breach the law.

It will also not apply to foreign embassies or consulates in Denmark, which will be permitted to fly their national flags on their premises.