Denmark warns of foreign interference ahead of March election

Denmark’s intelligence services have warned that foreign powers may attempt to influence the country’s upcoming general election on March 24, identifying Russia as the primary threat while also citing the United States and China as potential sources of interference.

In a statement published on the night of February 27, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) said it is “highly likely” that Denmark is a prioritised target for Russian influence activities due to the Nordic nation’s support for Ukraine. The agency also highlighted rising tensions over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, noting that the US bid to take control of the Arctic island has fueled misinformation that could cloud the vote, Bloomberg reports.

“The US focus on the Kingdom has furthermore created new international lines of conflict that foreign states such as Russia and China can exploit for influence purposes,” the statement added.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called an early election for March 24 to capitalise on a surge in support stemming from a standoff with Donald Trump over Greenland. Analysts say the ballot will test voter sentiment on dealing with the US president just as Europe’s relations with Washington are at their lowest in decades. The Arctic dispute has bolstered Frederiksen’s domestic standing, reinforcing her image as a disciplined and steady leader during periods of national strain.

The intelligence assessment comes amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. The report also warned that US election interference “could emanate from a wide range of actors, including those without formal ties to the US administration.”

Authorities said foreign influence campaigns may aim to deepen social divisions, sway political discourse, or target specific candidates and parties. Tactics could include disinformation, limited cyberattacks, and threats of more serious cyber operations.

The warning follows a December assessment from the Danish Defence Intelligence Service, in which the agency for the first time described the United States as a potential security risk.

By Sabina Mammadli