The world is facing an aggressive Russia that is arming itself, a situation that is the most serious we have seen in many years. This is what Mette Frederiksen says at a press conference in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Her response: To arm the Danish defense with 50 billion Danish kronor under 2025 and 2026, which corresponds to around 75 billion Swedish kronor.
To avoid war, we must also arm ourselves, says Frederiksen and urges her defense chief Michael Hyldgaard and Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) to purchase new war material.
Buy what can contribute to a stronger defense here and now. If you can't get the best, buy the second best. There is only one thing that matters now: speed.
Straighten Up
The increased defense appropriations do not only come in light of Russia's increased aggression. The US message at last week's NATO meeting and at the security conference in Munich that US forces in Europe should not be taken for granted also plays a role.
I believe that Europe's strength comes from within, from our values, our determination, and our will to act, says Frederiksen.
It's time for us to straighten up. Does the world look uncertain? Yes. Is there reason to believe it will pass soon? No.
She criticizes previous governments – including Social Democratic-led ones – for having cut too much in defense, decisions that now cost. And she wants to urge all of Europe not to make the same "mistake", she says.
Don't do it again.
"Permanent" Increase
With the addition, Denmark will reach defense investments corresponding to three percent of GDP, says Frederiksen, an increase from last year's 2.4 percent.
And more money will come to the military in the long run. By 2033, the defense will receive a total addition of 120 billion Danish kronor.
This requires a new comprehensive economic plan. It involves many difficult choices and priorities. We will not use this money for other things, says the Prime Minister and notes that the increased appropriations are a reality the Danish people will have to live with for many years to come.
It's not like we're putting a lot of money into defense now and then the situation stabilizes. We're seeing a permanent increase in defense financing.
