Denmark Bans Civilian Drone Flights Ahead of High-Profile EU Summit

Denmark will impose a nationwide ban on civilian drone flights this week as part of heightened security measures for a European Union summit set to take place in Copenhagen, the government announced on Sunday.

The move follows a series of unexplained drone sightings across the country since September 22, which have forced temporary closures at several airports. Danish authorities have suggested possible foreign involvement, hinting at Russia, though Moscow has firmly rejected the allegations.

Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen confirmed the restriction, which will remain in effect from Monday through Friday while EU leaders gather in the Danish capital for talks on Wednesday and Thursday. “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 in a statement.

He added that the measure was designed to eliminate confusion between hostile drones and legitimate civilian flights. “In this way, we remove the risk that enemy drones can be confused with legal drones and vice versa,” he said.

The Ministry of Transport warned that violations of the temporary ban could result in fines or imprisonment for up to two years.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard underscored that the measure was aimed at easing the workload of law enforcement and security services during the high-profile gathering. “The police are on heightened alert, and our authorities must use their forces where necessary to take care of Danes and our guests,” he said.

By suspending civilian drone flights, police would no longer need to investigate or monitor privately operated drones that do not pose a threat, he explained. “The ban means police will not have to spend their efforts on civilian drones,” Hummelgaard noted.

The ban comes against the backdrop of growing public concern. Danish police reported on Saturday that they had received over 500 tips from citizens about drone sightings in recent weeks. Most of the reports were dismissed as harmless, but the sheer volume has kept authorities on alert.

Copenhagen’s EU summit is expected to draw heads of state and senior officials from across the bloc, making it one of Denmark’s most significant security operations in recent years. Officials said the drone restrictions, combined with other security measures, are part of a coordinated plan to ensure the safety of both residents and international guests during the event.