Recent surveys indicate that a lack of trust in authorities has prompted many Danes to prepare for potential crises independently, with significant concerns regarding the government’s readiness for serious emergencies.
Growing Concerns Over Government Preparedness
The Danish population is increasingly worried about the government’s capacity to handle emergencies, according to a new survey conducted by Tryghedsfonden. The report reveals that nearly six out of ten Danes believe that authorities are not adequately prepared for serious crises. In fact, 19% expressed being “very concerned” about the issue, highlighting a palpable sense of unease that has emerged in recent years.
Danish citizens are slowly acclimating to various threats that have become more prominent, such as crippling cyberattacks, potential warfare in Europe, and intensifying weather events driven by climate change. The Danish Defence Intelligence Service has warned that the threat landscape against Denmark is becoming increasingly severe.
The survey further explored public sentiments regarding Denmark’s readiness for crises involving terrorism, warfare, climate catastrophes, and foreign sabotage of critical infrastructure. Amidst this backdrop, the prevailing sentiment points to a notable decline in trust towards governmental agencies tasked with crisis management.
Citizen-Led Initiatives for Crisis Preparedness
As trust in authorities wanes, many Danish citizens have taken matters into their own hands, preparing for potential emergencies. One such individual is Rikke Struve from Frederikssund, who, along with her son Rasmus—who has a medical condition that complicates daily life—has begun making her own crisis preparations. Struve does not believe the government can adequately safeguard her family in the event of a serious crisis.
Minister for Society Security and Preparedness Torsten Schack Pedersen acknowledges the need to bolster efforts concerning crisis management. He recognizes that it is entirely natural for the Danish populace to feel more anxious given the current threat and risk landscape. “It is considerably different today than just a few years ago,” he remarked. “However, it is imperative that we ensure the Danish preparedness and resilience are as high as possible. We are actively working on making Denmark more robust so that we can better handle potential crises.”
This rising focus on individual crisis preparation aligns with a broader cultural shift toward what is being termed “prepping,” a method often associated with readiness for disasters or wars. In 2024, the government even established the Ministry of Society Security and Preparedness, which subsequently issued guidelines encouraging citizens to be self-sufficient for at least three days in the face of a crisis.
Public Sentiment Regarding Preparedness
The survey results paint a telling picture: 60% of respondents expressed concern over whether authorities are prepared to manage crises effectively. Some may wonder if these fears are warranted.
This complex web of individual preparation efforts contrasted with the more significant overarching need for a coordinated response strategy underlines the current psyche of the Danish population—where many are becoming proactive rather than reactive.
As the public remains divided on the effectiveness of state preparedness, there is a collective desire for more clarity and reassurance from the government. Efforts to enhance preparedness, both at an individual and institutional level, will be crucial as Denmark navigates an increasingly uncertain global landscape. The call for a more comprehensive national emergency plan may serve as both a preventive measure and a means to rebuild trust in governmental capabilities.
As the Danish population engages in personal preparedness, the onus may also fall on authorities to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that citizens feel safe and secure amidst rising threats of various natures. The growing trend of individual preparation can serve as a useful complement to a more robust national emergency response framework.
