European leaders are meeting in Copenhagen amidst rising concerns over Russian hybrid attacks, including drone incursions into EU airspace. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for a strong and united response from the EU, emphasizing that Russia is the only country threatening Europe.
EU Leaders Discuss Defence Boost and 'Drone Wall'
The summit in Copenhagen focuses on bolstering European defence capabilities in response to recent events, including disruptions at Danish airports caused by drones. Several member states are backing a multi-layered "drone wall" to detect, track, and neutralize Russian drones quickly. This initiative aims to enhance the EU's ability to protect its airspace.
Enhanced Security Measures in Denmark
Denmark has implemented heightened security measures for the summit, including a ban on civilian drone flights and traffic restrictions in Copenhagen. International allies are providing support to ensure the safety of the European Political Community summit also hosted in Denmark. This includes anti-drone and surveillance assistance from countries like Poland, the UK, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and the US.
While Danish police haven't confirmed Russian involvement in the recent drone disruptions, Frederiksen has linked them to other hybrid attacks by Russia. The "drone wall" initiative is envisioned as a network of detection and interception systems, building on existing anti-drone capabilities of individual EU members.
Zelenskyy Raises Alarm Amidst Defence Talks
The European leaders are also addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced concerns about the "critical situation" at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Support for Ukraine remains a central theme of discussions at the summit.
- Discussions include using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
- The British Prime Minister will join EU leaders for dinner, expanding the circle to include leaders of the European Political Community.
- Hybrid threats and support for Ukraine are key topics at the summit.
The Future of the 'Drone Wall'
While the European Commission aims to implement the "drone wall" quickly, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius estimates it could take three to four years. However, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina believes it can be done much faster. The initiative aims to provide a robust defence against drone incursions and protect European airspace.