The Danish parliament has enacted a landmark law that will require all citizens, regardless of gender, to participate in a lottery for military conscription upon turning 18. Previously, women could voluntarily enroll in the military, but under these new rules that took effect on Tuesday, their participation has become mandatory. This decision aligns with the defensive measures taken by NATO nations amid escalating security threats in Europe.
Under this revised system, both men and women will need to register for potential military service, with volunteers being prioritized. In the event that the number of volunteers falls short, a lottery will be employed to fulfill the military's requirements. The duration of military service for new conscripts has also been extended from four months to 11 months. As of 2024, approximately 4,700 individuals—24% of whom were female volunteers—completed a short-term military service. However, projections estimate that the annual number of conscripts may rise to 6,500 by 2033 due to these changes.
Denmark’s action mirrors similar reforms in Sweden and Norway, both of which have implemented conscription for women in recent years. In March, the Danish government also announced an allocation of 40.5 billion Danish crowns (approximately $5.9 billion) to enhance defense spending over the next five years, as part of an effort to meet NATO commitments.
Currently, Denmark's military has around 9,000 active personnel. Colonel Kenneth Strom, who oversees the conscription program, emphasized that the policy shift is a strategic decision aimed at increasing combat effectiveness in response to the prevailing security climate. Current military volunteer Katrine supports the move, asserting the necessity for an increased conscript presence and the importance of equal contributions from women in the defense sector.
Under this revised system, both men and women will need to register for potential military service, with volunteers being prioritized. In the event that the number of volunteers falls short, a lottery will be employed to fulfill the military's requirements. The duration of military service for new conscripts has also been extended from four months to 11 months. As of 2024, approximately 4,700 individuals—24% of whom were female volunteers—completed a short-term military service. However, projections estimate that the annual number of conscripts may rise to 6,500 by 2033 due to these changes.
Denmark’s action mirrors similar reforms in Sweden and Norway, both of which have implemented conscription for women in recent years. In March, the Danish government also announced an allocation of 40.5 billion Danish crowns (approximately $5.9 billion) to enhance defense spending over the next five years, as part of an effort to meet NATO commitments.
Currently, Denmark's military has around 9,000 active personnel. Colonel Kenneth Strom, who oversees the conscription program, emphasized that the policy shift is a strategic decision aimed at increasing combat effectiveness in response to the prevailing security climate. Current military volunteer Katrine supports the move, asserting the necessity for an increased conscript presence and the importance of equal contributions from women in the defense sector.
