Danish women are now faced with being called for 11 months of military service at the age of 18, after the entry into force of a change of law.
Under the new rules adopted by the Denmark Parliament, women must join adolescents in a lottery system which could force them to undertake a conscription period.
The change has been made as NATO countries increase defense spending in the midst of increased security problems in Europe.
So far, women have been authorized to participate in the military service when they were 18 years old, but on a voluntary basis.
From Tuesday, men and women who are 18 will have to register to be assessed for potential military service. Volunteers will be recruited first, with the remaining figures made up of the lottery system.
The change will also see the conscription period for adolescents go from four months to 11 months.
About 4,700 Danish men and women undertook a short period of military service in 2024 – approximately 24% of them are women volunteers. The new rules on conscription should see the overall number carrying out a military service annually at 6,500 by 2033.
Denmark follows the example of Sweden and neighboring Norway, which have both caused conscription for women in recent years.
In March, the government also announced an increase in Danish crowns by 40.5 billion (4.3 billion pounds sterling, $ 5.9 billion) for defense expenses over the next five years to achieve NATO objectives.
There are around 9,000 professional staff who are currently used in Denmark soldiers.
Colonel Kenneth Strom, head of the Danish army conscription program, said the change was “based on a political decision and a political agreement concluded by the parties”.
He added: “And obviously, he is based on the current security situation in order to obtain more combat power and to have the skills necessary for the army, the Navy, the Air Force or even to the Special Operations Forces.”
Addressing the Reuters news agency Katrine, a current volunteer in Denmark soldiers, said: “In the world situation, we are currently, it is necessary to have more conscripts, and I think women should also contribute, like men.
“I think it’s a positive change.”
