In Denmark, new legal norms have entered into force, which provide for the compulsory conscription of women over the age of 18 on an equal basis with men. Previously, women could serve only on a voluntary basis, informs Associated Press.
The Scandinavian country is looking to increase the number of young people in the army by extending compulsory service to women for the first time. Although they had been able to serve full-time in the Danish Armed Forces since the 1970s, they could only join the army voluntarily.
From now on, both men and women can volunteer, and the remaining spots will be filled through a gender-neutral lottery. New rules passed by the Danish parliament in June mean that all women who turn 18 after July 1 will participate in the selection system on the same terms as men. This change was introduced against the background of growing military threats in Europe and the strengthening of NATO’s role.
Initially, the reform was planned for 2027 as part of a large-scale defense agreement, but later its implementation was postponed to the summer of 2025. Due to security challenges, it was launched already this year. Colonel Kenneth Ström, who heads the draft program, explained that the decision was made due to the “current security situation”.
“They could participate in the collective deterrence of NATO. An increase in the number of conscripts would simply lead to an increase in combat power.”, – added Ström.
Denmark, home to about 6 million people, has approximately 9,000 professional soldiers. The new rules are expected to increase the number of draftees to 6,500 each year by 2033, up from 4,700 last year.
According to current legislation, all able-bodied men over the age of 18 are subject to conscription. Some of the youth, both men and women, go as volunteers, and the rest are determined by lottery. Until now, only men participated in the lottery. According to the results of 2024, female volunteers make up about a quarter of all new recruits.
The length of service has also been increased from four to 11 months. Recruits will first undergo five months of basic training, followed by six months of operational service with additional training. Analysts believe that the decision to call up women was made because of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“We are watching the aggravation of the security situation in Europe. We have an ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We are paying attention to the Baltic countries, where Denmark is sending many soldiers. Therefore, I think this is a general effort to strengthen Denmark’s defense”, — noted researcher from the Royal Danish Military College Rikke Gaugegaard.
