Danish government wants to spend $20.6 billion on defense over 10 years

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Denmark’s centrist government said Tuesday that it wants to invest some 143 billion kroner in the country's defense over the next decade, citing a “serious threat picture.” The government has an ambition to reach NATO's target of spending 2% of gross domestic product on military budgets by 2030, in part as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There is war in Europe, and we can no longer take peace for granted,” acting Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told a press conference, calling it “an ambitious plan.” “The threat picture can change quickly. Kristian Søby Kristensen with the the Center for Military Studies at the University of Copenhagen, said that what the government presented was “an economic frame” which was “a starting point for talks” with other political parties before a decision is made on spending the money. While none of the money was earmarked to any specifics, Lund Poulsen said that “a strengthened conscription will also be able to expand the Armed Forces’ recruitment base and the reserve.” He also said that he wanted “more equality between men and women.” In Denmark, while four-month conscription is mandatory for men, women have a choice.