The military is facing extensive budget cuts this year, meaning that several military exercises, shooting practices, and training programs are either being canceled or drastically reduced. According to information from DR, the cuts are due to the fact that the military leadership has planned significantly more activities than the budget allows. In order to address this financial deficit, the military must save at least 100 million Danish kroner by the end of the year.
The Central Association of Personnel (CS), representing many of the military staff, has expressed great dissatisfaction with the situation. Chairman Jesper Korsgaard Hansen told DR that it affects the activities and training programs that soldiers demand. Additionally, all soldiers are being sent home for two weeks of mandatory leave, and the payment of overtime and supplements is being stopped.
The budget cuts are also impacting the training of new soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers. Specifically, the Army’s 1st Brigade, which is an important part of Denmark’s defense strategy, is being affected. This is happening despite the fact that the military has grown with several hundred new soldiers and other staff, making it even more challenging to find the necessary funds.
Additionally, Ekstra Bladet has previously reported that the Danish Defense Intelligence Service (FE) is subject to a secret cost-saving plan. Senior analyst Jacob Kaarsbo from the think tank Europa, and a former employee of the FE, has criticized the cuts, calling them “a bad joke,” especially in light of the current threat situation.
In May, a political agreement was reached to strengthen the military with 95 billion Danish kroner by 2028. This agreement was supposed to ensure the establishment of a combat-ready brigade with 6,000 soldiers who can be deployed in NATO operations. For this part, 48 billion Danish kroner was allocated.