Let us be blunt: unconditional basic income for all will not become a reality in Denmark anytime soon. But still, the prospect looks a lot brighter today than it did just a few years ago. Thanks in part to the efforts of Alternativet, basic income is once again on the political agenda in Denmark and is up for debate in much wider circles than we have seen in decades.

It is safe to say that more and more view UBI as one of the options worth exploring and experimenting with in the light of rapid automation and robotisation. That is a start.

But before I discuss the viability of unconditional basic income – or something like it – in Denmark, I should offer a few insights into the Danish context.

As most people know, Denmark is a modern welfare state relying on a massive and broad redistribution of wealth though a progressive taxation system. Based on the so-called Nordic model, the Danish welfare system aims to create economic security and opportunity for all within an elaborate social safety net.

A key instrument in this is the flexible Danish labour market. Here it is easy and cheap for companies to fire employees – but generous unemployment payments mean people can sustain themselves until they find a new job. In other words, the ‘flexicurity model’ offers both flexibility for companies and security for the people.

The system has only been successful due to a well-defined and very broadly accepted social contract of rights and duties. We all have the right to receive fair and adequate salaries and get financial support to be able to live good lives, even if we are disabled, sick or unemployed. On the other hand, it is our duty to educate ourselves and make ourselves available to contribute to the extent we can, which includes, to some extent, taking the jobs we are offered.

Because of this, because of our combined efforts and our shared dedication to solidarity, education in Denmark is not only free but you also get monthly grants to cover expenses. Health care is free, too.