Parties press for compensation for ammunition factory neighbours

Several Danish political parties are calling for compensation for neighbours of a planned ammunition factory in Elling, northern Jutland, as residents remain uncertain about safety and the value of their homes, DR reports.

Residents fear living next to a factory that will produce highly explosive gunpowder and could be targeted by sabotage. New threat assessments say Denmark must prepare for sabotage and hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure. Some neighbours have also been told their homes have lost value, but it remains unclear whether they will receive compensation or whether the state will buy their properties.

Denmark Democrats leader Inger Støjberg said people should be compensated if they suffer a loss or feel unsafe. She was backed by politicians from both the left and right.

“The neighbours are taking on a task on behalf of the whole nation, so it is obvious that a compensation scheme must be found,” said Peder Hvelplund, group leader of Enhedslisten.

Conservative defence spokesperson Marcus Knuth said residents need clarity about what to expect, adding that they had received too many confusing messages. Venstre defence spokesperson Thomas Danielsen has previously said the neighbours should be able to sell their homes to the state.

Jan Vestergaard, who lives in one of the three security zones around the factory, welcomed the attention but said he would rather the state buy his home than offer compensation.

“Compensation is something I would say no to,” he said. “Should I then say that my wife and children are only worth 50,000 kroner? You cannot put a price on people’s safety.”

Knuth said the Conservatives want an independent assessment of the situation and that, in some cases, the state could offer to buy residents’ homes. Jyllands-Posten has reported that Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus has asked ministry officials to examine the legal options for compensating the neighbours.