Government Launches Comprehensive National Emergency Preparedness

The government is launching a new comprehensive national emergency preparedness framework for Denmark and is allocating DKK 1.2 billion in 2026 for an emergency package aimed at strengthening preparedness. This comes in response to a more uncertain global situation marked by war on the European continent, hybrid warfare against NATO and the West, and more extreme weather.

According to the government, Denmark as a society must be prepared for a wide range of possible incidents. The comprehensive preparedness framework will provide the structure for a coordinated effort among authorities, citizens, businesses, and civil society to prevent and manage major incidents, crises, disasters, and, in the worst-case scenario, war. The model is inspired by the other Nordic countries.

The authorities have a special responsibility to protect society’s vital functions and democracy, but the government emphasizes that preparedness is also a shared responsibility that should be integrated into the daily routines of organizations, businesses, and citizens alike.

The emergency package will be translated into concrete measures to strengthen the ability to withstand threats and reduce society’s vulnerability in areas including the water, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, and transport sectors.

Minister for Societal Security and Emergency Management Torsten Schack Pedersen highlights that the world has become more uncertain and that there is therefore a need for a unified national preparedness framework. He stresses that Denmark is strongest when authorities, businesses, organizations, and citizens take responsibility and are prepared.

Minister for the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde states that the emergency package includes a three-digit million investment in emergency power systems for hospitals. The purpose is to enable hospitals to maintain close to normal operations for a minimum of 24 hours in the event of, for example, widespread power outages. In addition, a mobile medical reception center will be established to treat a larger number of injured persons.

Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard points out that the energy supply is already a target of hybrid attacks. The government will therefore further strengthen emergency preparedness efforts in the energy sector. He emphasizes that the energy sector has strengthened its preparedness over several years and that requirements were tightened with a new law last year.

Minister for the Environment Magnus Heunicke announces the establishment of a national water disaster preparedness unit. A total of DKK 254 million will be allocated over four years, including DKK 140 million for equipment. The funds will be used, among other things, for pallet tanks for drinking water, emergency generators for waterworks and treatment plants, as well as pumps and critical spare parts that can be deployed nationwide in the event of serious incidents.

With the comprehensive preparedness framework and the associated emergency package, the government aims to strengthen Denmark’s overall ability to manage crises and protect society’s critical functions at a time marked by increased geopolitical uncertainty.

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