Experts will abandon decades of practice in favor of total readiness.

Experts argue that Denmark should adopt a total preparedness model, similar to other Nordic countries, which also involves citizens and businesses.

In a report released Wednesday by a group of experts, it states that "a total preparedness approach is the way forward." This means that businesses, organizations, and citizens must contribute if a crisis strikes.

The report, commissioned by the government, includes recommendations for the emergency services but also addresses the broader perspective of preparedness.

It is noted that several Nordic countries already work with total preparedness. In Norway, the government introduced a framework in 2025, while in Sweden and Finland, it has long been the standard.

In Denmark, the total defense model faded into the background in favor of a more siloed approach after the Cold War. This means that each authority plans within its own sector.

While this creates specialization, the argument goes that when crises cross borders and sectors, there is a risk of lack of oversight.

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**Cybercrime and climate change**

The report highlights that cybercriminals often infiltrate Danish systems, undersea cables are cut, and climate change makes us more vulnerable.

This was evident in a report from the National Audit Office in December 2025, which found that key ministries, collectively, are not sufficiently prepared for crises.

A natural next step would therefore be to examine how or whether this could be implemented in Denmark, according to Danske Beredskaber.

"We won’t be fully prepared until we have a comprehensive picture of crisis management and emergency planning in Denmark," says Bjarne Nigaard, secretary general of the municipal emergency services.

He points out that the current cold weather poses challenges in Denmark.

"Imagine a snowstorm that disrupts electricity, water supply, and telecommunications in a large area. Then we must ensure that the emergency plans of the involved sectors work together," he says.

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**Cannot handle the threat alone**

At a security conference in Copenhagen in 2025, the Danish head of NATO’s headquarters in Latvia, Major General Jette Albinus, emphasized that the defense cannot handle the current threat alone.

This is because Denmark is in a hybrid phase where military buildup is not enough. She recommended a strategic effort where the entire society collaborates on preparedness.

Dansk Industri also believes that a total preparedness model should be considered in Denmark.

"Now, as a society, we should take the next step and build a modern total preparedness system where the business sector’s capabilities are systematically integrated to strengthen Denmark’s resilience," says Rasmus Anderskouv, deputy director for societal security and preparedness, in a press release.

The government has received the recommendations and will now review them.

Read also: Danske Beredskaber still awaits answers on ministerial powers.

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