Denmark announced on Wednesday that it will introduce compulsory military service for women from 2026.
On June 11, the Danish parliament, the Folketing, unanimously voted in favour of a bill extending conscription to women.
Until now, military service in Denmark has been compulsory for men and voluntary for women. The government has accelerated the adoption of the bill, citing the changed security situation in connection with the war in Ukraine.
“Women will have equal rights with men and will also have to draw lots,” the Danish Ministry of Defence said. At the same time, the term of military service for conscripts of both sexes will be increased from the current four months to eleven.
Danish women who turn 18 after July 1 this year may be called up for military service during 2026 under the new law. However, this will only affect part of one year of birth. As in the case of men, if there are not enough volunteers, a lottery will be held.
Earlier, in April 2024, Danish parliamentary parties agreed to introduce military service for women. However, two political parties, including the Liberal Alliance, vetoed the proposal, postponing its implementation until 2027.
Denmark has become the third country in Europe to introduce compulsory military service for women. Neighbouring Norway has had equal military service for men and women since 2013. In 2017, Sweden reinstated compulsory military service for both men and women (since 2010, only men had served in the kingdom, as there were enough volunteers to meet the country’s military needs at the time).
