Denmark Temporarily Bans Civilian Drones Ahead of European Summit
Denmark has temporarily banned all civilian drones from its airspace this week as a security measure ahead of a high-profile EU summit in Copenhagen. The ban follows a wave of unexplained drone sightings over airports and military bases, prompting authorities to call the situation a possible “hybrid attack.” Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said the ban is meant to “remove the risk that enemy drones can be confused with legal drones and vice versa,” while Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the need for "the best possible working conditions for the armed forces and the police."
The drone activity has already caused airport shutdowns across the country, affecting both travel and national security operations. NATO responded by boosting its surveillance in the Baltic region and deploying a German air-defense frigate to Denmark. “We are currently in a difficult security situation,” said Poulsen. Sweden has offered anti-drone support, and Germany will provide drone-detection systems as Denmark hosts both the European Council meeting and the wider European Political Community summit.
While no one has officially been blamed, suspicion is growing. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted, “we can at least conclude that there is primarily one country that poses a threat to Europe’s security – and that is Russia.” NATO officials haven’t ruled out Russian involvement, and similar airspace violations have recently been reported in Estonia, Poland, and Romania. The Kremlin, however, “firmly rejects” any link to the drone incidents.
