Following a change in Danish law, women will now be conscripted for military service through a lottery, alongside their male counterparts, marking a significant shift in Denmark's approach to national defense and military representation.
Denmark Implements Lottery-Based Conscription for Women
Denmark Implements Lottery-Based Conscription for Women
New legislation requires Danish women to register for military service, joining men in a lottery system as defense spending increases amid European security concerns.
Danish women now face potential mandatory military service beginning at age 18 due to a recent legal amendment approved by the Danish parliament. Under the newly implemented rules, women will join teenage males in a lottery system to determine who will be called up for up to 11 months of conscription. This change responds to the growing defense commitments of NATO nations amid rising security unease in Europe.
Previously, women had the option to serve in the military on a voluntary basis once they turned 18. As of Tuesday, all individuals reaching this age must register for assessment regarding their suitability for military duty. Initially, voluntary service will be prioritized; any shortfall in volunteer numbers will be filled via a lottery system. The duration of military service for Danish youth has also expanded from four months to 11 months under the new guidelines. In 2024, approximately 4,700 Danish citizens completed military service, with women making up around 24% of volunteers. The new regulations are anticipated to increase annual military enlistment figures to 6,500 by 2033.
Denmark's move aligns with recent actions taken by neighboring countries, such as Sweden and Norway, which have also instituted conscription for women in the past few years. The Danish government previously announced a significant increase in defense spending, amounting to 40.5 billion Danish crowns (£4.3 billion, $5.9 billion) over the next five years, to align with NATO's defense objectives. Currently, Denmark has roughly 9,000 professional service members.
Colonel Kenneth Strom, who oversees Denmark's conscription program, stated that this transition was driven by a political consensus reflecting current security contexts, aiming to enhance military capabilities across various branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces. One active volunteer, Katrine, voiced her support for the changes, stating, "In the world situation we're in right now, it's necessary to have more conscripts, and I think that women should contribute to that equally, as men do. I think it's a positive change."
