Denmark to massively increase defence spending « Euro Weekly News

The Danish Government, whilst recognising that there may be some form of peace between Russia and Ukraine is still worried about the potential for future Russian incursions.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has confirmed that her government intends to undertake a “massive” rearming of Denmark’s military due to the growing threat posed by Russia.

“We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark. And we must rearm massively to avoid war,” she told Parliament after travelling across Europe for discussions with other leaders.

Denmark to massively increase defence spending due to ongoing fears about Russian future intentions

According to Danish public broadcaster DR, the government was expected to announce the creation of a 50-billion-kroner (€6.7 billion) fund for additional defence spending in 2025-2026.

It is suggested that the government had actually considered doubling the size of the fund, but determined that there was currently insufficient defence equipment on offer to be able to purchase for a larger amount, according to the broadcaster.

Speaking beside her foreign and defence ministers at a press conference at the Christiansburg Palace in Copenhagen on February 19, the Danish leader promised a massive rearmament drive, saying it was “Denmark’s security that is at stake”.

Frederiksen stressed that it had been a mistake for countries like Denmark to have cut defence spending in recent decades.

Denmark to massively increase defence spending and vows that there will be no future cutbacks

“Don’t cut back on defence again,” the Danish prime minister said. “It must never happen again.”

In a message to her Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, she instructed him to “buy, buy, buy!”.

“If we can’t get the best equipment, buy the next best. There’s only one thing that counts now, and that’s speed.”

This decision will find ready support from NATO partner the USA as this increase means that Denmark will increase its defence spending to more 3 per cent of its GDP, although President Trump may call for this to be increased even further as he wants to see at least 5 per cent spent by each NATO member.

Since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, Danish support to Ukraine has amounted to some €7.18 billion in military support and around €707 million in civilian contributions, according to the Danish Foreign Ministry.