Military Service Becomes Mandatory for Women in Denmark

Photo: EPA-EFE/Mads Claus Rasmussen

The Danish government has announced that military service is now mandatory for women, in a move aimed at strengthening national defense amid heightened security tensions in Europe.

According to Reuters, this decision is based on legislation passed by the Danish parliament in June 2023, which came into effect on Tuesday (July 1, 2025).

Under the new law, all girls who turn 18 after this date are required to register for conscription assessment. Previously, women could only join the military voluntarily. However, last year, women accounted for around 24 percent of new recruits.

Katrine, a soldier in Denmark’s Royal Guard, told Reuters: “Given the current state of the world, it's necessary to increase the number of soldiers. I believe women should participate in this process just like men.”

The Danish government also announced that the duration of military service will be extended from four months to 11 months, and the number of conscripts is expected to rise to 7,500 by 2033.

Officials stated that the goal of these reforms is to enhance the country’s defense readiness and meet the demands of a modern army; one that is increasingly prepared to accommodate female soldiers.