The decision was made in connection with the deteriorating security situation in Europe.
From July 1, new legislation will come into force in Denmark, according to which women who have reached the age of 18 will be subject to compulsory military service on an equal basis with men. This decision was made against the backdrop of growing security threats in Europe and amid Russia's protracted war against Ukraine.
This was reported by the British publication Daily Express
As the head of the Danish conscription program, Colonel Kenneth Strøm, explained, these changes are due to the “worsening security situation” in the region. “Increasing the number of conscripts will provide us with greater combat potential,” he emphasized.
Until now, women's participation in military service was voluntary. In 2024, women made up only about 25% of all those who agreed to serve. From now on, women will be selected for military service under the same conditions as men.
The number of new recruits is projected to increase from the current 4,700 to 6,500 per year by 2033. However, Denmark only has around 9,000 professional soldiers, out of a total population of around 6 million.
The government also plans to significantly increase defense spending – as early as 2025, 3% of the country's GDP will be allocated for these purposes.
Analysts note that the war in Ukraine was the key impetus for the revision of defense policy. “We see how the situation in Europe is becoming increasingly unstable. Denmark is actively involved in protecting the security of the Baltic States, so strengthening the defense potential has become a common priority,” commented Rikke Haugegaard from the Royal Danish Defense College.
Let us recall that earlier we wrote that after the summit in Vilnius, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Russia is preparing for war with NATO . That is why it is necessary to make appropriate decisions at the summit in The Hague.
