In a significant policy shift, Denmark’s parliament has enacted a law requiring women to partake in military service, coinciding with their 18th birthday. Effective immediately, this new rule introduces a lottery system, aligning both women and men in their conscription journey amid escalating security threats across Europe.
Previously voluntary, military service now becomes mandatory, with the conscription period extended from four months to 11 months for all 18-year-olds. This decision comes as part of broader defense initiatives, as NATO countries enhance their military readiness. As per recent data, approximately 4,700 individuals served in the Danish military in 2024, with female volunteers comprising about 24% of this cohort.
Moving forward, it’s anticipated that annual military service participation will soar to 6,500 by the year 2033. This legislative change follows the lead of neighboring countries such as Sweden and Norway, who have similarly extended conscription obligations to women in recent years.
Denmark's government also unveiled plans for a massive 40.5 billion Danish crowns ($5.9 billion) increase in defense expenditure over the next five years, aimed at fulfilling NATO commitments. Colonel Kenneth Strom, leading the conscription program, emphasized that this historic decision is rooted in the current global security landscape, ultimately aiming to enhance military capacity and skill sets across various forces.
Current volunteer Katrine expressed support for the change, noting the importance of having women contribute equally to national defense efforts, given the global situation at play. This move marks a pivotal moment in Denmark's military approach, advancing towards a more integrated and robust defense framework.
Previously voluntary, military service now becomes mandatory, with the conscription period extended from four months to 11 months for all 18-year-olds. This decision comes as part of broader defense initiatives, as NATO countries enhance their military readiness. As per recent data, approximately 4,700 individuals served in the Danish military in 2024, with female volunteers comprising about 24% of this cohort.
Moving forward, it’s anticipated that annual military service participation will soar to 6,500 by the year 2033. This legislative change follows the lead of neighboring countries such as Sweden and Norway, who have similarly extended conscription obligations to women in recent years.
Denmark's government also unveiled plans for a massive 40.5 billion Danish crowns ($5.9 billion) increase in defense expenditure over the next five years, aimed at fulfilling NATO commitments. Colonel Kenneth Strom, leading the conscription program, emphasized that this historic decision is rooted in the current global security landscape, ultimately aiming to enhance military capacity and skill sets across various forces.
Current volunteer Katrine expressed support for the change, noting the importance of having women contribute equally to national defense efforts, given the global situation at play. This move marks a pivotal moment in Denmark's military approach, advancing towards a more integrated and robust defense framework.
