Denmark launches a comprehensive preparedness plan to increase its resilience, stating that "effort is required from every individual, business, and authority" in the event of war, crises, and emergencies.

The Danish government announced at a press conference on Friday the launch of a new comprehensive preparedness plan aimed at raising the readiness of the state and society to face crises, including the possibility of war, cyber attacks and hybrid threats, in light of what the authorities described as the most dangerous security situation the country has faced since World War II. See also | Denmark recommends preparing for crises

Official warning: Russia is waging a hybrid war against the West

Danish Minister for Preparedness and Emergency Response Torsten Schack Pedersen confirmed that the country is facing unprecedented threats, noting that Russia is waging a hybrid war against NATO and Western countries. The minister said during a press conference held by the government with the participation of four ministers from the three parties participating in the ruling coalition, that “Denmark is facing the most serious threat since World War II, and Russia is leading a hybrid war against NATO and the West.”.

The minister explained that the goal of the comprehensive preparedness plan is to strengthen the country's resilience in the event of a major crisis, including military conflicts, cyberattacks, or disasters. He added, "Comprehensive preparedness means that we must all cooperate to increase Denmark's resilience.".

Allocating 1.2 billion kronor to strengthen vital infrastructure

The government has already allocated an emergency funding package of 1.2 billion Danish kroner for 2026, with the aim of helping authorities address weaknesses or potential undesirable events.

The government decided to allocate these funds to several key sectors to enhance their ability to cope with crises, and the new measures include the following:

• Energinet, the Danish energy company, is increasing its storage capacity.
• Establishing a national emergency system to address water disasters
• Upgrading backup power capacity in hospitals
• Establishing a mobile medical center for emergency reception
• Strengthening the Danish Broadcasting Corporation's (DR) ability to broadcast during crises
• Implementing new emergency measures in the railway sector
• Purchase of a new system for reporting drone movements

The government acknowledges a previous flaw in the preparedness model.

The government also pointed out that the comprehensive preparedness model declined after the end of the Cold War, as it was replaced by a system based on separate preparedness for each sector individually, such as health, energy and water, which has drawn repeated criticism due to the absence of a central body that assumes overall responsibility.

During the press conference, the ministers acknowledged the need to change this approach, stressing that the new system seeks to enhance coordination between the various governmental and private sectors and society as a whole.

Minister for Preparedness and Emergencies Torsten Schack Pedersen stressed that the responsibility does not lie with the authorities alone, but also includes citizens and businesses, saying: “There is an effort required from every individual, from businesses and from the authorities, so that everyone contributes to making our society more resilient.”.

Official recommendations for citizens to prepare at home

The Danish government reiterated its recommendations to the population to take practical steps to enhance their personal preparedness in the event of a crisis. These recommendations include:

• Keep three liters of drinking water per day for each person in the household.
• Provide enough food and long-term medication for three days.
• Store hygiene supplies such as toilet paper and sanitizers
• Provide heating supplies such as blankets and warm clothing
• Keep a battery-operated or solar-powered radio, spare batteries, a flashlight, cash, and payment cards on hand.

Increasing cyberattacks targeting the water sector

Denmark's Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke warned of escalating cyberattacks on the country's water sector, emphasizing that these attacks are occurring frequently. He stated that there are "attempts to launch cyberattacks against our water sector on a daily basis.".

The report referred to an incident in December 2024, when a small water facility south of the city of Køge on the island of Sjælland was hit by a cyberattack linked to a hacker group with ties to the Russian state, resulting in a water outage for residents.

The minister stressed that the government is working to prevent and respond to these threats, saying: “We must prevent and deal with hybrid threats and restore water supplies if a threat occurs.”.

Launching a national emergency system to secure drinking water

The Ministry of Environment also announced stricter new requirements for the water sector, along with the allocation of funds to secure drinking water in emergencies. These measures include the purchase of mobile water tanks and backup generators to ensure the continued operation of water stations and treatment plants in the event of power outages.

The government also decided to establish a new emergency system called National Water Disaster Preparedness, which aims to ensure the provision of drinking water to the population during crises.

Enhancing hospitals' readiness to continue operating during crises

Interior and Health Minister Sophie Løhde participated in the press conference and announced that the government had allocated 300 million Danish kroner to strengthen the health sector's preparedness.

She explained that the goal is to enable hospitals to maintain near-normal operation for 24 hours, then limited operation for three days, and emergency operation for a full week in the event of a major crisis.

A new system for monitoring drones and enhancing airspace security.

The government also announced a plan to strengthen oversight of drone movements by purchasing a new system for reporting on these aircraft.

Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen explained that this system will help authorities distinguish between legal and illegal drones and ensure the safety of the airspace. The minister added that this will make authorities more prepared and able in the future to identify drones and their operators in Danish airspace.

A comprehensive plan to strengthen the resilience of Danish society

The government asserts that the new comprehensive preparedness plan represents a strategic shift in the way the country deals with crises, as it seeks to enhance coordination between authorities, vital sectors and citizens to ensure that Danish society is able to cope with modern threats, including war, cyberattacks and major disasters.

This move comes amid escalating security tensions in Europe and growing fears of cyber and hybrid attacks targeting critical infrastructure, particularly the water, energy, health and transport sectors.