The Public Accounts Committee has issued its harshest criticism of the Danish Ministry of Defence, citing “serious shortcomings” in the security of military areas over several years. A report from the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office highlights a deterioration in security over the past five years, despite the ministry’s awareness of these issues.

The Public Accounts Committee has alerted the Parliament to the potential for significant consequences stemming from these security lapses, noting that they have already impacted security in specific instances.

The Defence Intelligence Service assessed security as “unsatisfactory” from 2020 to 2024, the lowest possible rating. In 2024, the Ministry of Defence authorities’ own assessments revealed that 15 out of 18 authorities failed to meet one or more of the “most important” security requirements.

Security deficiencies include missing alarms, inadequate guarding, and insufficient soundproofing.

Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen acknowledged the criticism and stated that he takes it “very seriously.” He noted ongoing efforts to improve and modernize the Defence’s facilities and IT systems, with security enhancements as a key component. Poulsen emphasized that protection of military areas must be integrated into the solutions for the Defence’s physical installations, ensuring appropriate security measures for sensitive information processing.

The Public Accounts Committee, comprised of six politically appointed members, oversees state expenditures in collaboration with the National Audit Office. The National Audit Office, staffed by civil servants, investigates cases and submits reports to the Public Accounts Committee, which then determines whether to issue criticism. The case concerning the protection of military areas was initiated by the National Audit Office itself.