This motivational, heart-centered episode brings together three international candidates in Denmark who open up about their personal journeys and messages to eligible voters. In a reflective and inspiring 30-minute group conversation, the guests join the two co-hosts to explore what it truly means to participate in democracy as an international resident.

Together, they discuss:

• What does voting mean to them as internationals living in Denmark?
• Why did they decide to run in local or regional elections?
• Their message to other internationals who feel disconnected from politics
• Why does every vote matter, and how does every voice belong in Denmark?

This is not a policy debate; it’s a space to inspire, encourage participation, and remind listeners that representation begins with showing up.

Tip:
Read Valentin's interview with Last Week in Denmark here.

Read Keren's interview with Last Week in Denmark here.
Read Candice's interview with Last Week in Denmark here.

Read Nico's interview with Last Week in Denmark here.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

In this episode, we explore the Regional Council’s role and responsibilities — and why it plays such an essential part in your daily life. From managing healthcare, mental health services, and emergency response, to shaping regional development and policy, we break down what the Regional Council actually does and how it affects you.

Join us for a 30-minute conversation with our main guest as we discuss:

• What the Regional Council is and how it differs from your local council
• Which services, budgets, and decisions are handled at the regional level
• How residents — including internationals — can get involved and influence regional politics
• Why voting in the regional election (the yellow ballot) is just as important as voting locally

If you’ve ever wondered who makes decisions about hospitals, emergency services, or regional transportation — and how you can have a say — this episode is for you. Tune in to understand how the Regional Council impacts your community and why your vote matters more than you might think.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

In this episode, we dive into a practical, real-world conversation about becoming a political candidate in Denmark — whether for local or regional elections. From eligibility requirements and party involvement to official registration and campaign steps, this 30-minute discussion offers clear insights for anyone curious about entering Danish politics.

You’ll join the full conversation with two international candidates and our two co-hosts, as they share honest stories and lessons from their own experiences running for office. Together, we discuss:

• What inspired each guest to run for local or regional election
• How the candidacy process really works — eligibility, party lists, signatures, and key deadlines
• What challenges or surprises came up along the way
• Advice for anyone considering becoming a candidate in Denmark

If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved in Danish democracy, stand for election, or represent your community, this episode is your go-to guide for understanding the process from the inside out.

Tip: Read Alina's interview with Last Week in Denmark here.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

#VOTEHOME Vol.2

Can you vote in Denmark? Should you? And what happens if you do more than vote and actually run for office?

#VOTEHOME Vol.2 is a limited 5-episode podcast that empowers internationals living in Denmark to take part in local and regional elections on November 18, 2025. Hosted by Narcis George Matache and Derek Hartman, each episode combines real-life stories, practical explanations, and honest conversations with guests who have navigated Danish democracy from the outside in.

From understanding your voting rights to exploring what local and regional councils actually do to hearing from international candidates who are stepping onto the ballot, this season gives you everything you need to go from eligible to engaged.

Whether you’ve lived in Denmark for 4 years or 14, this podcast is here to remind you:

This is your home. And your voice matters here.

🎙️ 5 Episodes

1. Can I Really Vote in Denmark?
2. Who Actually Runs This City? (with the Mayor of Aalborg)
3. What Even Is a Regional Council? (with a regional chairperson)
4. You Can Run (No, Really) (with 3 international candidates)
5. This Is Your Denmark, Too (finale with stories to inspire you to vote)

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

Listen to our co-hosts and the Mayor of Aalborg, Lasse Frimand Jensen. 

Focus of this conversation is: Understanding the role of the local council and the mayor in Danish municipalities, and how residents, including internationals, can engage with and influence their local democracy.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

Listen to one of the first voters from 2021.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

In this episode, we explain how to vote in Denmark, who is eligible to vote, and why every vote matters. Whether you’re an international resident or a first-time voter, you’ll learn how local and regional elections work, what you need to bring on election day, and how your participation helps shape Denmark’s future.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

Audio of the Instagram Live episode with the EP candidate from Alternativet, Julius Schubring (the only non-Danish citizen running in Denmark) and Meghna Nijhawan, the Instagram lead from Last Week in Denmark. 

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

Our reporter, Pratik Hariharan has interviewed Reinout Bosch from Enhedlisten. 

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).

Kathrine Richter from Volt sat with us to talk about her party.

1:29 - Part I: The Candidate - who is Kathrine, what is Volt?
26:46 - Part II The Union 🇪🇺
36:34 - 🎯 EU Trivia
39:57 - Part III: The Citizen
45:01 - Part IV: The Identity
48:35 - 💡 Fact/Fiction Challenge
54:16 - Outro: Go Vote!

Follow Kathrine on Twitter/X, Instagram!

Being Politically Active - Nationalism & Internationalism - How to Succeed as a Political Party in Denmark - Politically Engaged Internationals - Training Political Candidates - Future of Europe - Defense in the EU - EU Internal Migration - Migrantour Copenhagen (Expat Walks) - The Diverse EU

As an EU citizen residing in Denmark, have you considered voting for candidates in Denmark? VOTEHOME is a series where we interview Danish candidates for the EU parliament

Credits:
* Host: Narcis George Matache, Zoé Elkær Nicot
* Producers: Pauline Masserot, Katharina Fuchs
* Podcast Creator: Ahmet Akkoç
* SFX and Music provided by YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay and Dova-Syndrome Contributors.

The podcast is made by AMIS (an NGO that has over 30 years of history of making projects aimed at developing better opportunities and inclusion in Denmark and Europe), Nyt Europa (an NGO that works for a sustainable and democratic EU) and Last Week in Denmark (a weekly newsletter about Danish latest news available in 6 languages - English, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Italian).