❓WHAT HAPPENED: Mandatory military conscription has been introduced for women as well as men in Denmark, with all over-18s required to enroll in a national service lottery.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Danish Armed Forces, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, and Chief of Defense General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Effective immediately for young women turning 18, across Denmark.
💬KEY QUOTE: “[G]et used to the fact that every citizen capable of bearing arms, and not just men, is obligated to contribute to the defense of the fatherland. – Danish Armed Forces.
🎯IMPACT: The policy expands the recruitment base for Denmark, a NATO and European Union (EU) member, at a time when the West is increasingly close to open conflict with Russia.
Men and women in Denmark are now subject to equal conscription requirements, as the government expands its mandatory military service program in response to what it describes as a deteriorating security situation in Europe.
Young women turning 18 on or after this week will receive “invitations” to attend a military base on Denmark’s national ‘defense day’ for assessment. If deemed fit, they will be entered into a lottery, and those selected will be legally obligated to serve. Previously, conscription applied only to men.
The Danish Armed Forces described the inclusion of women as a “historic change” and warned Danes to “get used to the fact that every citizen capable of bearing arms, and not just men, is obligated to contribute to the defense of the fatherland.” Additionally, chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma no longer automatically disqualify individuals, with assessments now tailored to specific roles within the military.
The length of mandatory service will now be more than twice as long, increasing to 11 months. This will include five months of training followed by six months in active service. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the seriousness of the European security situation, stating, “A broader basis for recruiting that includes all genders is needed.”
Denmark joins other European nations in revisiting conscription policies. Sweden reinstated the draft in 2017 and included women, citing Russian aggression as a key factor. Norway became the first NATO member to conscript women in 2013, while Germany is reconsidering its decision to end conscription in 2011. The United Kingdom has also faced recruitment challenges, with former Defense Minister Ben Wallace expressing admiration for Sweden’s model.
European states are also now looking to spend more money on their militaries, with many responding to pressure from U.S. President Donald J. Trump to pull their weight more by pledging to increase spending to required NATO minimums or higher. Germany, in particular, has promised billions of dollars towards rearmament amid the ongoing tensions with Russia.
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