Denmark has introduced a temporary nationwide ban on civilian drone flights as Copenhagen prepares to host an EU summit of government leaders this week. The measure, effective from Monday to Friday, is aimed at strengthening security amid an alarming surge in drone sightings across the country.
The Danish army confirmed that drones had once again been observed flying over military installations overnight, marking the second such occurrence in as many days.
Several airports were forced to suspend operations last week because of drone activity, raising serious concerns over national security. Officials have not ruled out potential Russian involvement, although Moscow has strongly denied any connection.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen explained that the ban was designed to prevent confusion between civilian-operated drones and potential hostile devices.
“Denmark will host EU leaders in the coming week, where we will have extra focus on security. Therefore, from Monday to Friday, we will close the Danish airspace to all civilian drone flights,” Danielsen said.
He further warned that violators could face heavy penalties, including fines or up to two years in prison. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that the decision was about enabling authorities to use their resources effectively.
“The police are on heightened alert, and our authorities must use their forces where necessary to take care of Danes and our guests,” he stated. According to police, more than 500 drone-related reports from citizens have been received in recent days, though most were deemed irrelevant.
The restrictions apply strictly to private operators. Drones operated by the military, police, emergency services, and healthcare providers will continue to be permitted.
The decision mirrors mounting concerns across Europe about drone activity. Norway recently began investigating suspected drone sightings near its Ørland F-35 airbase, while Germany announced new plans to allow its military to shoot down drones after a swarm was spotted near Schleswig-Holstein, close to the Danish border.
NATO has also stepped up surveillance measures in the Baltic Sea region in response to these developments. Alliance spokesperson Martin O’Donnell confirmed that intelligence and reconnaissance assets had been deployed, alongside at least one air-defence frigate, to strengthen monitoring and deterrence.
The recent wave of drone activity comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions linked to the war in Ukraine. Russian aircraft have violated Estonian airspace in recent weeks, while drones have been reported in both Poland and Romania. Danish investigators are still working to determine responsibility for the incursions.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen did not mince words, pointing to Russia as the most likely source of the threat. “There is one main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security, and it is Russia,” she said. The Kremlin, however, has firmly dismissed the accusations, calling them unfounded.
Denmark’s extraordinary drone restrictions underline how seriously European nations are treating the growing drone threat, especially when key international events are at stake.