Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed on 6 March 2025 openness to considering new defense strategies in light of changing global dynamics. Including French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to discuss how France’s nuclear deterrent can protect Europe.
After a summit of European leaders in Brussels Thursday, the Danish Prime Minister was asked by reporters about the possibility of Denmark hosting nuclear weapons, she stated:
“It’s not something we are working on, but you won’t get me to stand here and say no to others’ ideas. Everything has to be on the table now.”
Denmark has historically maintained a policy prohibiting the stationing of nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime, a stance dating back to 1957. However, recent geopolitical developments have prompted discussions about revisiting this policy. The Danish response on 6 March marks a significant departure from Denmark’s longstanding position on nuclear armament.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) is not alone in her otherwise remarkable statement that nuclear weapons on Danish soil cannot be ruled out. Neither the political party Venstre, the Liberal Alliance, nor the Conservative People’s Party are rejecting the possibility that it could be considered.
“It depends on what kind of nuclear weapons and under what circumstances,” says the Conservative Party’s defense spokesperson, Rasmus Jarlov according to the Danish media BT.
“It is not an independent goal to have nuclear weapons in Denmark, but if it is necessary for us to, for example, come under France’s nuclear shield, then we can discuss it, because there is a lot at stake right now,” Jarlov says.
Also Volt Denmark, a social liberal party and the national chapter of the pan-European movement Volt Europa, advocates for closer European integration and has called for Denmark to lift its ban on building nuclear power plants and participate in research on modern nuclear technology.
Source: Politico
