Drone Disruption Leads to High-Security EU Summit in Copenhagen

Mon Oct 20 2025 22:17:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

European leaders gather in Denmark to enhance defense measures in the wake of drone incidents affecting Danish airspace. The summit addresses rising security threats from Russia and discusses a multi-layered 'drone wall' to protect EU airspace.

Following recent drone disruptions at Danish airports, EU leaders convened in Copenhagen to discuss defense strategies against potential threats from Russia. Denmark has enhanced security measures, including banning civilian drone flights, while looking to collaborate on a multi-layered 'drone wall' to protect its airspace. Support from allied nations is crucial to bolster defense during this tense period. Leaders aim to devise a roadmap for strengthening European defense initiatives by 2030.

EU leaders gather in Copenhagen on Wednesday under pressure to boost European defence after a series of Russian incursions into EU airspace and days after drones targeted Danish airports.

The incursions have become most acute for countries on the EU's eastern flank such as Poland and Estonia. Ten member states have already backed plans for a multi-layered 'drone wall' to quickly detect, then track and destroy Russian drones.

Denmark has beefed up security ahead of the summit, banning all civilian drone flights until Friday and placing heavy restrictions on traffic in Copenhagen.

Despite the high security, there was little evidence of alarm in the centre of the capital ahead of the summit.

Denmark will also host a broader European Political Community summit on Thursday, and international allies have lent support to ensure both events pass without incident. Copenhagen airport, followed by several Danish airports and military sites on the Jutland peninsula, faced drone disruption last week.

Anti-drone and surveillance support has been brought in from Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and the US. A German frigate has also docked in Copenhagen.

As host to dozens of European leaders over two days, Denmark will want to fend off any more unwelcome surprises in its air space.

Danish police have not found any evidence that Russia was behind last week's drone disruption, which caused no injuries, but the government has blamed a 'professional actor'. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated there is 'primarily one country that poses a threat to Europe’s security - that is Russia'.

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Sweden’s prime minister Ulf Kristersson also remarked, 'Everything points to [Russia]'.

Stockholm has loaned 'a handful of powerful radar systems' to its neighbour for the two summits, according to Kristersson, and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is sending a mission to Denmark for joint exercises to provide 'Ukrainian experience in drone defence'.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that airspace incursions were worsening and it was 'reasonable to assume the drones are coming from Russia'.

Keep your skies safe, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, emphasising the urgent need for security amidst rising tensions.