Military shake up

Government looking to have more control over armed forces

The military's senior defence command, Forsvarskommandoen, is set to be dismantled and integrated into the Defence Ministry's civilian structure, the defence minister, Nick Hækkerup (Socialdemokraterne), announced yesterday.

“The government has decided it is time to modernise the leadership of the armed forces,” Hækkerup told the press. “We want to accomplish this by integrating civilian and military leadership.”

The changes are part of a larger reorganisation aimed at saving 3 billion kroner in overall defence spending and come after a government audit last year was sharply critical of the military’s financial management. 

Hækkerup said that having military brass and civil servants work together would be one way to increase efficiency.

“There will still be a defense commander that will be the top military adviser to the defence minister,” said Hækkerup. “The military competences will be the same, only now they will be part of the ministry.”

Hækkerup declined to say exactly how the merger would happen, but according to TV 2 news, Army Gen Peter Bartram, the military's chief of staff, will be given a position within the ministry. There is little doubt that there will be layoffs throughout Forsvarskommandoen's 300 employees, a third of whom are civiliains.

While in the opposition, Hækkerup made no secret that he felt the Defence Minsitry should have greater control over the military.

“It made sense during the Cold War years to separate the command from the ministry, but it does not make sense today,” said Hækkerup.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs