Denmark bans all civilian drone flights ahead of European summit

Denmark has implemented a comprehensive ban on all civilian drone flights this week in anticipation of the European Union summit in Copenhagen. The country’s transport minister announced the decision on Sunday, citing the need to ‘simplify security operations’ for law enforcement and prevent ‘foreign drones from causing uncertainty and disruption.’ The ban, effective until October 3, carries severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment for up to two years. This move follows a series of recent drone sightings over Danish military sites and airports, which have raised significant security concerns. In response, defense ministers from ten EU countries have agreed to establish a ‘drone wall,’ while NATO has heightened its vigilance across the Baltic region. Danish authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators behind these incursions, with the defense minister labeling them as part of a ‘hybrid attack’ and a ‘systematic operation.’ Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not ruled out Russian involvement, though Moscow has vehemently denied any connection. The situation has also prompted Norway and Romania to report similar drone incidents, with Romania recently passing legislation to empower air force pilots to shoot down unidentified aircraft. The ongoing war in Ukraine and previous Russian incursions into NATO airspace have further intensified regional tensions.