The Danish government has announced a nationwide ban on civilian drone flights ahead of this week’s European Union summit in Copenhagen, citing escalating security threats and a surge in unidentified drone activity over sensitive sites.
In a statement issued Sunday, Denmark’s Transport Ministry said the move is intended to “simplify security work” for police and ensure that “foreign drones do not create uncertainty and disruption.” The prohibition took immediate effect and will remain in place until October 3, with violations punishable by fines or up to two years in prison.
Authorities confirmed that police forces are on heightened alert across the country as Denmark prepares to host visiting EU delegates. The country currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, and security is expected to dominate the summit’s agenda.
The emergency measure follows multiple drone sightings in recent days, including above military installations on Saturday. Denmark’s Defense Minister characterized the events as potentially part of a “systematic operation” and warned of a “hybrid attack” possibly linked to foreign adversaries.
Unidentified drones have been spotted since September 22, prompting temporary shutdowns of major airports in Copenhagen, Oslo, Aalborg, and Billund. Danish investigators have yet to identify the source of the activity.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said authorities “cannot rule out Russia” as the origin of the incursions, although the investigation is ongoing. The Russian Foreign Ministry has denied involvement, stating it “firmly rejects” any such accusations.
The incidents come amid broader concerns across Europe. Last week, Estonia and Poland triggered NATO consultations after reporting that Russian drones and jets had violated their airspace.
In response, defense ministers from ten EU nations have agreed to establish a joint “drone wall” aimed at countering aerial incursions along NATO’s eastern flank. NATO has confirmed “enhanced vigilance” across the Baltic region in light of the recent drone activity.
Elsewhere, Norway and Romania also reported drone-related incidents over the weekend. Norwegian authorities confirmed drone activity over Bronnoysund Airport, and investigations are under way near Norway’s largest military base. In Romania, flights were diverted on Sunday after Turkish Airlines pilots reported a drone above Bucharest Airport. The Romanian government has recently passed new laws granting its air force authority to shoot down unidentified aerial vehicles.
With Denmark at the helm of the EU presidency, the upcoming summit in Copenhagen is expected to prioritize cross-border security coordination, drone defense strategies, and cyber resilience amid growing fears of foreign interference.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether additional protective measures will be enacted during the summit, but sources close to the Danish security services suggest the current alert level remains “exceptionally high.”
