Denmark introduces compulsory military service for women
The Danish Ministry of Defence has announced the extension of conscription from four to 11 months and the expansion of conscription to women. The new rules will come into force on 1 July 2025.
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According to Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the country's armed forces need more military personnel due to current security challenges. Women who turn 18 after 1 July 2025 will participate in an annual "lottery" designed to compensate for a potential shortage of volunteers. It determines who will be subject to compulsory military service. Currently, only men are subject to the same procedure.
Previously, such a "vote" was held only in case of a shortage of volunteers. Now, compulsory service for women will be another step towards full equality in the Danish armed forces.
Under amended plans, Denmark will extend compulsory military service to women a year earlier than originally planned, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said at a briefing in Copenhagen on Tuesday. This comes after the government reached an agreement with the vast majority of parties in parliament.
Given the growing threat from Russia, the country has significantly increased its defence budget. In February 2025, the government announced additional defence spending of €6.8 billion for 2026-2027. A year earlier, funding had already increased by €5.4 billion.
Source: Bloomberg
