Denmark unveils nationwide “total preparedness” plan

Denmark is preparing to introduce a comprehensive national emergency preparedness system designed to ensure coordinated action by citizens, authorities, businesses and civil society during major incidents, crises, disasters or war, Emergency Management Minister Torsten Schack Pedersen said at a press briefing on February 19.

He explained that a “total preparedness” model means society as a whole must work together to strengthen national resilience. Denmark is currently the only Nordic country without a unified long-term strategy defining overall societal security standards.

Following the end of the Cold War, Denmark shifted away from an integrated preparedness model toward a sector-based system in which individual authorities plan responses within their own areas. While this approach encouraged specialisation, the government now argues it risks poor coordination when crises cross institutional and sectoral boundaries.

Authorities will continue to bear primary responsibility for protecting critical infrastructure, but the government says citizens and companies must also prepare to take care of themselves and others before a crisis occurs. Officials recommend households be able to remain self-sufficient for up to 72 hours if necessary.

The absence of a single body with overall decision-making authority has drawn criticism, with concerns that key decisions could stall during emergencies. The government warned that Denmark faces the most serious and complex threat environment since the Second World War, prompting plans to overhaul decades of fragmented preparedness policy.

The state will allocate 1.2 billion Danish kroner in 2026 — roughly $174 million — partly to strengthen electricity and energy security during crises.

Authorities also highlighted growing risks to water infrastructure. Concern increased after a hacker group linked to Russia targeted a small water utility south of Køge in December 2024, temporarily leaving residents without water. Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke said cyberattacks against the water sector occur daily, prompting stricter requirements to reinforce both physical and cybersecurity protections.

An additional 254 million kroner — about $37 million through 2029 — will fund new emergency response capabilities, including the creation of a dedicated water-disaster preparedness unit to ensure access to clean drinking water during emergencies.