Denmark Imposes Civilian Drone Ban Ahead of EU Summit Amid Security Concerns

Sat Oct 11 2025 06:01:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to increasing drone incidents, Denmark has halted all civilian drone flights leading up to a high-security European Union summit, as authorities heighten vigilance against potential threats.

Denmark has announced a complete ban on civilian drone flights in light of security concerns surrounding an upcoming European Union summit in Copenhagen. This decision, aimed at simplifying police security efforts, follows a series of unidentified drone sightings over military sites. The ban will remain in effect until October 3, with significant penalties for violations, while neighboring countries like Sweden and France offer military support to enhance Denmark's defenses.

Denmark has banned all civilian drone flights this week ahead of a European Union summit in Copenhagen, the country's transport minister said on Sunday.

The ministry said the decision was made in order to simplify security work for the police, emphasizing the need to prevent foreign drones creating uncertainty and disruption.

This action follows recent reports of unidentified drones sighted above Danish military sites, with the most recent incident occurring just this past Saturday.

In response to the growing number of drone incidents, defence ministers from ten EU countries have decided to create a drone wall, while NATO has reported enhanced surveillance across the Baltic region.

In their statement announcing the ban, the transport ministry highlighted that police were on significantly increased alert ahead of this week's summit, stating that their priority was to take care of Danes and our guests.

The drone ban will be enforced until October 3, and any violations of this order could lead to fines or imprisonment for up to two years.

Support has been pledged from neighboring Sweden, whose Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced military anti-drone capabilities to assist Denmark during the summit. He also noted that powerful radar systems had already been provided.

France is set to offer similar support, including a specialized helicopter and a team of 35 experts to bolster Denmark's security measures.

Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, making the summit particularly high-stakes.

Since September 22, various unidentified drone sightings have resulted in disruptions, including airport closures in both Copenhagen and Oslo.

Recent activities have also forced the temporary suspension of operations at Aalborg and Billund airports due to similar drone incidents.

Authorities in Denmark have yet to identify the individuals responsible for these drone flights. However, the defence minister labeled it a hybrid attack suggesting a systematic operation behind the incursions.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen indicated that authorities are investigating potential links to Russia, though Moscow has adamantly rejected any allegations of involvement.

This situation follows a broader trend of heightened security across Europe, with multiple NATO member states reporting similar drone incursions and increasing alertness in the face of potential hybrid threats.

In recent days, reported drone activity in other countries, including Norway and Romania, has added to the scrutiny of aerial security and heightened the urgency to address these challenges across national borders.