Copenhagen: European leaders gathered on Wednesday here in Denmark for a high-level summit focused on security and defense policy. The meeting was convened following recent unidentified drone activity over Danish airports and military installations, raising concerns about European security.
According to Denmark’s Ministry of Defense, advanced radar systems have been installed at Copenhagen Airport to detect drone attacks and other aerial threats in real-time. Last week, the airport was temporarily closed due to drone flights, causing major disruptions to flight schedules.
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom have deployed warplanes, naval vessels and air defense systems to Denmark ahead of the summit. A Ukrainian military delegation is also participating, sharing expertise and experiences in countering Russian drones with European allies.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that while investigations are ongoing, Russia remains the most significant threat to European security.
At the EU leaders’ conference, discussions are underway on developing a comprehensive strategy against Russian aggression by 2030. Analysts note that as U.S. attention increasingly shifts to Asia and other regions, Europe faces an urgent need to strengthen its own defense autonomy.
Recent weeks have seen Russian drones and aircraft intruding into European airspace, signaling rising risks. On September 10, NATO fighter jets shot down Russian drones that entered Polish airspace, marking the first direct confrontation between Moscow and NATO since the start of the Ukraine war. Days later, NATO jets forced Russian warplanes out of Estonia’s airspace.
The summit will also address continued military and financial support for Ukraine. Proposals include using Russia’s frozen assets to fund assistance to Kyiv.
On Wednesday evening, nearly 40 heads of state and government representatives attended the European political community meeting. On Thursday, the forum will expand discussions to include security, smuggling, and migration issues. While some critics dismiss the summit as a political talking shop, Europe aims to use the platform to reinforce a unified defense stance.
