DEFENCE AGREEMENT 2018 - 2023
The Danish Government (Venstre (the Liberal Party), the Liberal Alliance and the Conservatives) and the Social
Democrats, the Danish People’s Party and the Social-Liberal Party (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”) have
entered into the following agreement regarding the Danish Defence for the period 2018-2023.
Introduction
The purpose of the Danish Defence is to enforce the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark and ensure the
continued existence, integrity and security of the nation. Threats can occur anywhere in the world, both far from
Denmark and in our region. A robust Danish defence and preparedness is the prerequisite for a safe society.
With this Agreement the Parties agree to give the Armed Forces a substantial increase that will be phased in
gradually and lead to a strengthening of the Armed Forces' annual budget by DKK 4.8 billion by 2023. By the end
of the agreement period the Danish Armed Forces will have more operational units and troops than today and a
less top heavy organisational structure.
The Parties wish to strengthen:
-
Denmark's contributions to NATO's collective deterrence and defence.
-
The Armed Forces’ ability and capacity for international operations and international
stabilisation efforts.
-
Defence's contribution to national security, e.g. in the event of terror attacks in Denmark.
-
The protection of Denmark against cyber attacks.
-
The National emergency preparedness.
The Parties agree on a 6-year framework agreement that will also include the Emergency Management Agency,
and which sets out the overall direction for The Ministry of Defence areas of responsibility as well as the defence
spending. This framework will allow the Minister of Defence together with the Chief of Defence to direct the
activities and further organisation of the Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defence will on an annual basis inform the Parties on progress in implementing the Defence
Agreement.
The new security situation
Global threats are more severe than at any other time since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Towards the east NATO
faces a challenging and more assertive Russia. Instability in the Middle East and North Africa provides a breeding
ground for militant Islamism that creates the foundation for terrorism and irregular migration flows. In the Arctic
we see climate change and increased activity. Furthermore, the threats from cyberspace have serious security and
socioeconomic consequences, and influence campaigns challenge democratic principles and rules.
The changed foreign and security political situation is the backdrop for Danish Defence in the years to come.