In a recent hearing in the Landstingssalen at Christiansborg, Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen (Venstre) expressed that a simple pamphlet would not be sufficient in the efforts to strengthen the preparedness of the Danes at home in the event of crises or war. The minister emphasized the need for a more comprehensive information campaign to prepare the population for potential threats. “I don’t necessarily think a brochure is what makes the difference,” said Troels Lund Poulsen during the hearing, adding that it is crucial to better inform the Danes about the challenges that can arise in connection with hybrid warfare. The increased risk of Russian hybrid warfare, reported by both the Police Intelligence Service and the Defence Intelligence Service, makes it clear that the threat is real and growing. Hybrid warfare includes both military and non-military means, including misinformation used to weaken the opponent.
Troels Lund Poulsen also mentioned plans to look into international experiences and strategies. In early June, he will meet with Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, to discuss Sweden’s initiatives in the field. This meeting follows Sweden’s distribution of the pamphlet “If Crisis or War Comes” to all households in 2018, an initiative that attracted great attention in Sweden. The future preparedness and preparations to handle shifting global threats will be on the agenda in the upcoming negotiations in the defence agreement circle, where a recent agreement was also reached on, among other things, female conscription.
It is clear that Denmark is facing a number of security challenges that require more than just an information pamphlet. A broader and more in-depth strategy is needed to ensure that the population is as prepared as possible for future threats.