Today’s news / Danish PM urges greater military build-up in Europe
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Social Democrats) is known as a strong supporter of Ukraine. There is a need for more rearmament in Europe, says Mette Frederiksen ahead of the NATO summit in Washington (Archive photo). Photo: Johanna Geron/Reuters

Danish PM urges greater military build-up in Europe

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has highlighted the necessity for increased military reinforcement in Europe and more NATO support to Ukraine. During a session with the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, Frederiksen emphasized that NATO has grown stronger, with recently added members Sweden and Finland, and many member countries, including Denmark, spending more on defense. However, she contends that Europe must go beyond the NATO target of 2 percent of GDP spent on defense, as the current security situation demands more decisive action. While Denmark meets this threshold at 2.37 percent of its GDP, Frederiksen prompts the European countries to make a considered choice between defense expenses and other spending, such as welfare programs. She stresses the importance of maintaining social balance while addressing defense needs, ensuring those with lesser means are not adversely affected.