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Denmark to increase defense spending to $20.5 billion by 2030

May 30, 2023

Denmark intends to increase defense spending to more than $20 billion and aims to meet NATO's requirement of 2% of GDP defense spending by 2030.

This was stated by the head of the country's Defense Ministry at a press conference on Tuesday, The Local reports.

Announcing the new structure of Denmark's defense spending until 2030, Troels Lund Poulsen said that a new complex threat picture has emerged that places new demands on Denmark's defense system and its society.

"The threats against us have changed," he said, naming energy policy, disinformation, cyberattacks, and the war in Ukraine as new challenges.

Poulsen said that the total defense budget for the next ten years will amount to 143.2 billion kronor ($20.5 billion), of which 105.4 billion kronor ($15 billion) will be spent on new defense and security priorities.

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According to the new defense framework, in 2023 the budget will amount to 6.7 billion kronor (almost $1 billion), and by 2032 it will increase to 19.2 billion kronor (almost $3 billion). About 26.9 billion kroons will be spent on building repairs and reconstruction, IT improvements, and personnel support, and 10.9 billion kroons will be spent on investments in personnel and materials.

Denmark plans to provide military assistance worth about DKK 21.9 billion (over $3 billion) to Ukraine.

Denmark will reach the NATO target of 2% of GDP in its spending plans only if it includes donations to Ukraine through a special Ukrainian fund. At the press conference, Poulsen said that he had "no doubt" that the costs of assisting Ukraine are part of the country's defense budget and should therefore be counted toward the NATO target.

Author - Olena Madiak, 30/05/2023

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