State of Denmark
Denmark is no longer a country that debates whether to increase defense spending. That debate is over. Now it’s about how quickly we can spend billions and what exactly we should buy. The government just added 50 billion DKK to the defense budget for 2025-2026, on top of the nearly 200 billion already allocated through 2033. Mette Frederiksen’s message to the defense chief was simple: “Buy, buy, buy.” Procurement rules will be loosened, and the defense chief will have unprecedented authority to fast-track military acquisitions, including long-range air defense systems, drones, and new fighter jets.
The shift isn’t just about numbers; it’s about permanence. The prime minister made it clear that this military buildup is not a temporary response to the war in Ukraine. Even if peace breaks out tomorrow, Denmark will continue its path toward a heavily armed future. Defense industry leaders are already adjusting their business models accordingly, anticipating long-term growth. Danish companies are pushing for a bigger role, but with NATO expecting Denmark to contribute even more in the coming years, much of this money will likely go to foreign manufacturers.
All of this comes with a cost beyond the price tag. The era of defense cuts is over, and soon, other sectors of society will have to compete for funds in ways they haven’t in decades. As Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen put it, “It’s the last night with the cash register open.”
Follow up to “Greenland’s White Gold” documentary
DR has pulled its controversial Greenland’s “White Gold” documentary after criticism over misleading economic claims. A key financial graph was removed late in production, yet interviews referencing it remained. DR’s news editor resigned, and the case has now reached Parliament, with the Culture Minister calling it “poor journalism.”However, some commentators argue the removal sets a precedent, noting that other documentaries with factual errors were not pulled, raising concerns about ulterior motives.
Follow up to the Greenlandic saga
Kim Kielsen, the former Greenlandic leader who told Trump Greenland is not for sale, is pushing back against calls for faster independence. While Siumut’s Erik Jensen wants immediate talks with Denmark, Kielsen insists on following the agreed roadmap, citing economic and educational gaps. Party divisions have already led to defections, making it clear that the entire Siumut party doesn’t fully support the “independence now” position.
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