Denmark introduces compulsory military service for women – starting in 2026!

Denmark introduces compulsory military service for women – starting in 2026!

On June 14, 2025, the Danish Parliament unanimously decided to introduce compulsory military service for women, which will come into force on July 1, 2025. This means that all Danish citizens who turn 18 from this date are affected. The first draft for military service is planned for 2026. Women must undergo the selection process for military service, similar to that already done for men. So far, some women have already completed their military service voluntarily in the Danish army, and women make up around a quarter of Denmark's 4,700 military service officers.

The measure is supported by a majority of Danes, especially men. Major General Peter Boysen highlights the benefits of increasing the proportion of women in the army, such as greater flexibility and a broader recruiting base. Denmark also plans to increase the number of conscripts in the military from around 4,700 to up to 7,500 annually and to extend the length of military service from four to eleven months from August 2026.

Responding to security policy challenges

The introduction of compulsory military service for women comes in the context of the recent security challenges in Europe, particularly in view of the threat from Russia. Security expert Amelie Theussen warns of a possible escalation in the Baltic Sea region, which has motivated Denmark to strengthen its military forces. The new regulations are intended to better prepare the armed forces for future challenges.

The decision to introduce compulsory military service for women goes hand in hand with the effort to attract more young people to military service. At the moment, young women are already completing their military service voluntarily, and it is hoped that the new regulation will motivate even more women to do military service.

Headwinds and challenges

Despite the support these regulations receive, there are also concerns. Surveys show that women themselves are less enthusiastic about conscription, while the majority of the population is generally positive about this step. Furthermore, the Danish army is struggling with problems regarding equipment and accommodation. There are also known cases of sexual harassment, to which the army has responded with stricter sanctions and training for superiors.

The introduction of conscription for women is not without precedent; Sweden introduced this regulation in 2019 and Norway was the first NATO country to introduce it in 2015. In Denmark, the move is seen as a milestone in equality in the military, as women will serve on the same terms as men and may also be forcibly conscripted if there are not enough volunteers.

Overall, the Danish Parliament's decision is seen as a significant step forward in gender equality in military policy. The bill is still pending, but approval is considered certain in Denmark's political landscape. These measures could create a new standard in European defense policy.

Comprehensive reporting on this topic can be found at the following links: vol.at, tagesschau.de, tagesschau.de.