Denmark introduces mandatory military draft to include women

(MENAFN) Denmark has extended its military draft to include women, following recent changes to conscription laws passed by the national parliament. This move aligns with NATO’s increased focus on military readiness amid ongoing concerns over Russia’s actions following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in early 2022.

At last week’s NATO summit in The Hague, member countries agreed to boost defense budgets. Meanwhile, the European Union approved a €150 billion ($171 billion) borrowing plan aimed at strengthening its own military capabilities.

Despite these moves, the Kremlin continues to reject accusations of hostile intentions toward Western countries, dismissing them as “nonsense” and fearmongering.

The new Danish legislation enforces “full equality between men and women in relation to military service.” Starting July 1, 2025, women turning 18 will be entered into a draft lottery, just like men, and may be required to serve if volunteer numbers are insufficient. Female conscripts will serve under the same terms as their male counterparts.

Additionally, the law increases the mandatory service duration from four to eleven months.

Denmark’s armed forces currently rely on a mix of volunteers and conscripts, with conscription used when volunteer numbers do not meet demand. In 2024, about 4,700 Danes completed military service, with women making up roughly 24% of that total.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the plan to conscript women in March, emphasizing the move as part of achieving “full equality between the sexes.”

Latvia, another NATO member, is also preparing to introduce mandatory military service for women by 2028. Latvia reinstated conscription in 2023 after having abolished it in 2006.

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