Ukrainian weapons manufacturer Fire Point is establishing a rocket fuel factory in Skrydstrup, Denmark. To expedite the establishment, the Danish government is using a controversial law that bypasses citizens' right to appeal – and therefore does not need to consider local residents' concerns.
Just on the other side of the fence from Skrydstrup Air Base, where Denmark's new F-35 fighter jets are stationed, Ukrainian weapons company Fire Point is set to begin production of solid rocket fuel on December 1st. The announcement came during a press conference with Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (Liberal Party).
— We are proud to welcome them to Denmark. As a country, we are now contributing to ensuring that Ukraine can fight the important battle against the superior power Russia, claims the minister, who has personally visited the company in Ukraine.
Fire Point is behind Ukraine's new cruise missile "Flamingo", which according to reports was recently used against a Russian base in Crimea. The weapon reportedly has a range of 3,000 kilometers and has been described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country's "most successful" missile.
It is precisely the solid rocket fuel for this missile that will now be produced in Skrydstrup, where local residents have expressed strong concerns about potential security risks.
"Dialogue" to reassure citizens
To enable the rapid establishment, the Danish government is using the criticized law that removes citizens' right to appeal and gives authorities free rein to bypass other laws when a project is deemed to serve essential national defense goals or civil preparedness purposes.
Local residents have reacted with concern about having a rocket fuel factory in their vicinity, and a public meeting is being held on Saturday, where both the defense minister and Business Minister Morten Bødskov (Social Democrats) will meet with worried citizens.
— I understand very well the many concerns that potentially arise in and around Skrydstrup, admits Troels Lund Poulsen.
Haderslev's mayor Mads Skau (Liberal Party) is trying to balance between the government's decision and dissatisfied citizens' concerns.
— We will ensure that it remains safe for citizens to live in the area. We do this through dialogue. I have told the ministers that it is important they keep citizens informed about what is happening.
"Hundreds of jobs"
Business Minister Bødskov is careful to emphasize that the factory will create "several hundred jobs", primarily for unskilled workers.
Despite using the controversial law, he insists that safety will not be compromised:
— The requirements that exist for safety distances to the surroundings we do not touch. The same applies to requirements for transporting rocket fuel. What applies today will also apply tomorrow.
