Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has indicated a willingness to consider pay raises for Danish soldiers, signaling a potential shift in the government’s stance after previously maintaining that politicians should not interfere in military pay conditions. The minister’s comments came during a visit to Kosovo, where he addressed Danish Home Guard personnel.

The potential pay raise discussion follows concerns raised by soldiers regarding their working conditions and compensation, particularly for self-employed individuals and students participating in missions. While the government has allocated funds to strengthen the Home Guard, soldiers are seeking broader improvements to their overall compensation.

The minister’s openness to discussing pay raises suggests a possible change in approach, influenced by growing political support for boosting soldiers’ salaries. The issue has reportedly been discussed at high levels within the government, with a recognition that circumventing political support for pay increases would be difficult.

Beyond pay, soldiers have highlighted the importance of legally mandated freedom for volunteers, allowing them time off from their civilian jobs to participate in Home Guard missions. However, the Defence Minister has expressed reservations about implementing such measures.

A salary analysis is expected to be completed this autumn, after which negotiations with relevant parties will commence to discuss the conditions for Defence employees and a new framework agreement for the Home Guard. The negotiations will determine whether pay raises are implemented and whether additional support is provided for volunteer Home Guard members.