In brief
Denmark has enacted a temporary prohibition on civilian drone flights from now until October 3, citing security reasons as the nation prepares for a European Union summit in Copenhagen. This decision follows multiple incidents of unauthorized drones near military installations, raising alarms about potential threats during the high-profile event.
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 stated that the decision was made to simplify security work for the police, emphasizing their inability to tolerate foreign drones creating uncertainty and disruption.
In recent weeks, Denmark, along with several other European nations, has reported alarming drone incidents, notably sighting drones over military sites just days prior to the summit.
In response to these developments, defense ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to establish a drone wall, and NATO has heightened its vigilance throughout the Baltic region.
As Denmark prepares for the summit, police are on increased alert, asserting the necessity to ensure safety for both citizens and international guests. The drone flight ban will remain effective until October 3, with violations potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment of up to two years.
Starting from September 22, unidentified drones have been reported in Danish airspace, forcing the closure of major airports in Copenhagen and Oslo. Other airports, such as Aalborg and Billund, have also had to suspend operations due to drone activities.
The defense minister has termed the drone sightings a hybrid attack and part of a more extensive systematic operation, as investigations continue into the identities of those controlling the drones.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated that authorities have not ruled out potential connections to Russia, which has vigorously denied any allegations of involvement in these drone incidents.
The situation comes amid heightened tensions in Europe, following several other nations experiencing similar incursions attributed to foreign entities, leading to calls for enhanced security measures and international cooperation.
