Denmark has announced plans to extend compulsory military service to women, making it the third European country to implement gender-neutral conscription, following Norway and Sweden. Set to commence in 2026, this move aims to enlist approximately 5,000 conscripts annually, both men and women, in response to the perceived threat from Russia following its involvement in Ukraine. This decision is part of a broader effort to modernize and diversify the Danish Defense Forces, amidst challenges of personnel retention and the need for increased funding. The Danish government believes that this initiative will not only enhance gender equality within the forces but also reflect the evolving societal norms and expectations.
Denmark plans to draft both men and women into military service starting in 2026, in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
This makes Denmark the third European country to introduce gender-neutral conscription, following Norway and Sweden.
The government aims to call up 5,000 co-ed conscripts annually.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and diversify the Danish Defense Forces amid personnel retention challenges and the need for increased funding.
Conscription duration is extended from four months to 11 months, with a significant budget increase of approximately six billion euros over the next five years.
The decision is partly in reaction to the perceived threat from Russia to Europe, despite the Danish Foreign Minister stating that Russia does not pose a territorial threat to Denmark.
Denmark aims to strengthen European defense capabilities, partly motivated by uncertainty over long-term American support for Europe.
The country plans to exceed the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense in the coming years.
Public reaction to including women in conscription is divided, and some political parties oppose the move, indicating that the implementation is not yet guaranteed.
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