The Danish government is considering providing financial compensation to citizens who live near new weapons production or military facilities, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced. This discussion arises amid a military buildup in Denmark and concerns about the impact on local residents.

The potential compensation aims to address concerns raised by neighbors and political parties regarding the perceived disparity in treatment. Currently, financial compensation is provided to residents near wind turbines or solar cell installations, but not necessarily to those living near military production sites.

The expansion of the safety zone around the North Jutland ammunition factory in Elling, and the planned establishment of a Ukrainian missile fuel production facility in Vojens, have highlighted the issue. The risk of explosions in both locations is a key factor driving the compensation discussion.

The Minister of Defense acknowledges the need for a political discussion on this matter, suggesting that the government should explore providing more support to citizens living near such facilities.

Poulsen referenced the 2019 parliamentary decision to provide assistance to residents near Flyvestation Skrydstrup, which houses F-35 fighter jets, as a precedent. This initiative cost 315 million kroner and aimed to mitigate the impact of increased noise levels from the new aircraft.

However, the current building and construction law, designed to expedite the establishment of military production by bypassing certain building requirements, does not include provisions for compensation.

The changing threat landscape and the heightened risk of espionage and sabotage in Denmark are also considerations. While acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, the Defense Minister expressed his belief that Russia is unlikely to conduct bombing attacks against facilities in Denmark, similar to those seen in Ukraine.