Denmark Imposes Ban on Civilian Drone Flights Ahead of EU Summit

Sun Oct 12 2025 14:34:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a security measure leading up to a significant European Union summit, Denmark has enacted a comprehensive ban on all civilian drone flights, prompted by recent drone sightings near military sites.

Ahead of a crucial European Union summit in Copenhagen, Denmark has announced a complete prohibition on civilian drone flights, driven by concerns over drone incidents in recent weeks. The Ministry of Transport stated the ban is intended to enhance security measures, as authorities remain on high alert for potential threats. Support from neighboring countries and responses to recent drone sightings underscore the urgency of this situation.

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, and they could not accept 'foreign drones creating uncertainty and disruption'.

Denmark is one of several European countries that have reported drone incidents in recent weeks, with unidentified drones sighted above Danish military sites as recently as Saturday.

Defence ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to create a 'drone wall' in response to the sightings, and NATO says it has 'enhanced vigilance' across the Baltic.

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

The ban will remain in place until 3 October, and violations could result in a fine or imprisonment for up to two years.

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country would support Denmark with 'military anti-drone capabilities' at the summit. He added that 'powerful radar systems' had already been loaned to its Nordic neighbour.

France said it would be providing similar assistance to Denmark, using a specialist helicopter and a team of 35 experts.

Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

Unidentified drones have been reported in Denmark since 22 September, when sightings forced the closure of Copenhagen and Oslo airports.

Aalborg and Billund airports were also forced to suspend operations last week due to drone activity.

Danish investigators have not yet been able to identify those responsible for the flights, but the defence minister called it a 'hybrid attack' that was part of a 'systematic operation'.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that authorities were still probing who was behind the incursions and did not rule out Russian involvement.

Moscow firmly rejected any suggestion of its involvement in the Danish incidents, despite previous accusations of conducting hybrid attacks in Europe.

In addition to the reports from Denmark, Norway and Romania also experienced separate drone incidents over the weekend, causing disruptions and increased military alertness.

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