Denmark to Extend Military Service Requirement for Women
In a significant policy shift, Denmark’s defense ministry announced that military service for women will be increased by two years. This change was articulated by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen during a press briefing on Tuesday, where he highlighted the pressing need for enhanced recruitment within the armed forces.
Starting next year, women who reach the age of 18 after July 1, 2025, may find themselves entering an annual lottery to determine their eligibility for mandatory military service, mirroring an existing obligation for men. Poulsen emphasized that this initiative is crucial for achieving full gender equality in military obligations by the set deadline.
Mandatory Lottery Introduced to Ensure Conscription
The proposed lottery system will only be activated in years where there are insufficient volunteers for military service. This approach allows the armed forces to secure the necessary personnel while maintaining a degree of fairness among potential draftees.
Alongside the lottery announcement, the new conscription regulations extend military service duration from the previous four months to a robust 11 months. This measure reflects Denmark’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
Response to Increased Security Threats
Denmark’s shift in military policy responds to growing security concerns, particularly the rising threat from Russia. In February, the Danish government unveiled a substantial defense budget increase of 6.8 billion euros for 2026 and 2027, building upon a previous increase of 5.4 billion euros announced last year.
This bolstered budget indicates a strategic effort to enhance Denmark’s military readiness and capabilities as part of a broader objective to ensure national security in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.
