In a significant shift, Danish women will now be subject to military conscription as the country introduces a lottery system for those turning 18. The change in policy, approved by parliament, aligns Denmark with other NATO nations ramping up defense efforts in light of growing security concerns in Europe. Previously, military service for women was voluntary, but that has now changed.
Starting from this week, both males and females will need to register for possible military service as the initial phase will prioritize volunteers. If necessary, a lottery will fill the remaining spots, extending the conscription period from four to a substantial eleven months. This adjustment is projected to increase annual military service participants from around 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033, with approximately one-quarter of last year’s volunteers being female.
Denmark’s move echoes recent changes in neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway, which have also introduced conscription for women. The Danish government has committed to a substantial increase in defense spending, amounting to £4.3 billion ($5.9 billion), over the next five years to fulfill NATO requirements. Colonel Kenneth Strom, overseeing the conscription program, highlighted that this adaptation is a response to the evolving global security landscape aimed at enhancing military readiness across branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Katrine, a volunteer in Denmark's military, supports the change, asserting that in today’s world, both women and men should equally contribute to national defense efforts. "It's a positive change," she noted, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced approach to conscription.
Starting from this week, both males and females will need to register for possible military service as the initial phase will prioritize volunteers. If necessary, a lottery will fill the remaining spots, extending the conscription period from four to a substantial eleven months. This adjustment is projected to increase annual military service participants from around 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033, with approximately one-quarter of last year’s volunteers being female.
Denmark’s move echoes recent changes in neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway, which have also introduced conscription for women. The Danish government has committed to a substantial increase in defense spending, amounting to £4.3 billion ($5.9 billion), over the next five years to fulfill NATO requirements. Colonel Kenneth Strom, overseeing the conscription program, highlighted that this adaptation is a response to the evolving global security landscape aimed at enhancing military readiness across branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Katrine, a volunteer in Denmark's military, supports the change, asserting that in today’s world, both women and men should equally contribute to national defense efforts. "It's a positive change," she noted, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced approach to conscription.
