Danish municipality warns of rising terrorism security costs

A Danish municipality has warned that rising terrorism security costs are pricing out volunteer organisations, after police tightened requirements following attacks like the one in Berlin this weekend.

Daniel Staugaard (V), chair of the Culture, Trade, and Tourism Committee in Sønderborg Municipality, said each terror attack leads to stricter security demands for both municipal and volunteer-run events, increasing costs for organisers.

“Every time there’s a terror attack, the requirements for terrorism protection at both the municipality’s events and those run by volunteer associations are tightened. It’s getting more and more expensive for them to hold their events,” he told DR.

Police alone determine security requirements, and the municipality has no influence over their decisions, Staugaard noted, though he said he trusts their assessments.

“But it’s unfortunate that it’s necessary.”

In the South Jutland village of Skovby, with around 300 residents, security costs for the annual Skovby By Night event have risen from virtually nothing to 30,000 kroner in three years, according to Claus Nielsen, chair of Skovby Village Association.

One requirement is blocking roads, which organisers once attempted with tractors borrowed from local farmers. But this proved unreliable—one year, a farmer took his tractor back due to forecasted rain, leaving the event exposed.

“It’s completely understandable, but not sustainable for us. So we’ve had to purchase terrorism protection at market rates,” Nielsen said.

Staugaard said the municipality may need to allocate funds in its budget to cover the costs. The committee will learn in August whether funding is available.