National Interests

Aabenraa Port is not only important for the city or municipality. It is part of the infrastructure that keeps Denmark running – on par with highways, railways and energy supply. Since October 2025, commercial ports like Aabenraa have been covered by the national interests in state planning.

When an area is of national interest, it means that the state assesses that it has significance for the entire country – not just locally. This applies especially to ports, as they ensure supplies, exports, trade and connection to the world via sea routes, which remains the most important form of transport for goods to and from Denmark.

For Aabenraa Port, this means that:

• the port's areas must be planned based on port-related activities

• considerations for supply security and infrastructure carry significant weight

• urban development and port development must be considered in balance

In short: National interest is about protecting the functions that society cannot do without. For Aabenraa Port, this means that the framework must support the port's ability to develop – for the benefit of business, jobs and supply chains throughout the region.

That Aabenraa is simultaneously part of the EU's TEN-T network underscores the port's international significance. Here, the port is a link in the transport corridors that connect Europe. Therefore, Aabenraa is both a local port and part of the infrastructure that Denmark and the EU count on – also in the future.