This week, US magazine Newsweek uncovers the secret behind the Danish success story of low unemployment, strong growth and comprehensive social security, writes Berlingske Tidende.

With ill-concealed admiration, Newsweek states that Danish unemployment is down to almost half the EU average and that in 2006 Danes can expect economic growth of 2.7 per cent compared with 1.2 per cent for the EU as a whole.

According to Newsweek, the secret is, the flexible Danish labour force and good relations between companies and the various professional unions.

“In most of Europe executives can only dream about this kind of collaboration,” writes Newsweek.

Newsweek notes that Danish unions have helped increase wage earners’ flexibility, unlike unions elsewhere in Europe, which often threaten paralysing strikes if wage earners’ rights are threatened.

According to Newsweek, the Danish success is based on a realistic understanding of Denmark’s position in the world. Competition from low-paid countries is countered by focusing on flexibility and knowledge-intensive jobs.

Read more on Newsweek’s Website: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10682391/site/newsweek/

Read also: "Danish wage increases among the lowest in Europe" (internal link).