Frederiksen’s stark warning at Copenhagen’s informal EU gathering
At the start of an informal EU summit in Copenhagen, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a blunt assessment of Europe’s security landscape. With the Ukraine war ongoing, drone alerts intensifying, and Russian airspace violations recurring, she warned that Europe may be living through the most dangerous period since the end of World War II. Her message was not about alarmism but about the urgency of strengthening Europe’s collective defenses and deterrence in the face of a shifting security environment.
Frederiksen argued that the critical lesson from the interwar years was not simply to expand military might after crises, but to invest in defense proactively so democracies can defend themselves when needed. “If I look at Europe today, I believe we are in the most difficult and dangerous situation since the end of World War II,” she said, underscoring a sense of accelerating risk that goes beyond single incidents to a broader pattern.
Echoes of the interwar period in today’s Europe
The Danish leader drew a parallel between destabilization in society and the fragility of democratic norms during peacetime. The concern is not only about the drones or a specific airspace violation, but about a broader erosion of stability that can undermine political and social cohesion. Frederiksen’s focus on deterrence reflects a calculative shift: if democracies fail to deter aggression, more aggressive behavior could become normalized.
Hybrid warfare: a new, persistent challenge
Central to her framing is the concept of a “hybrid war” that transcends conventional battles. She cautioned against obsessing over individual incidents—whether in Poland, the Baltic states, or elsewhere—without recognizing the recurring pattern. Even as European capabilities in the drone domain advance, the risk persists that drones and other hybrid tools can cross borders with operational harm. The point, she said, is not to concede ground to vulnerability, but to understand the systemic challenge and respond with durable, cross-border resilience.
The case for accelerated deterrence and defense
Frederiksen’s call centers on accelerating defense modernization and strengthening deterrence across EU member states. The aim is not to provoke escalation, but to restore a credible sense of security that can prevent aggression by signaling resolve and capacity. In practical terms, this means enhanced interoperability among European forces, joint procurement of defense equipment, integrated air and cyber defenses, and reinforced border and territorial security. The hybrid threat landscape demands a comprehensive approach, combining intelligence sharing, rapid reaction capability, and resilient civilian infrastructure.
What this means for Europe’s citizens
Security policy, for many, translates into daily realities: safer skies, more robust civil defense planning, and clearer political commitments that protect democratic norms. Frederiksen’s stance invites a broader conversation about resilience—how societies adapt to a complex threat environment while preserving freedoms and the rule of law. The public’s confidence in institutions can hinge on transparent strategy, measurable progress in defense readiness, and a shared recognition that collective action is essential for stability.
Looking ahead: paths for action in the EU
As the Copenhagen summit proceeds, the emphasis will be on translating rhetoric into tangible actions. Steps likely include intensified deterrence measures, closer defense cooperation among EU nations, and a unified stance on deterring destabilizing behavior from adversaries. Frederiksen’s message—identify the pattern, bolster defenses, and avoid complacency—will shape the conference’s discourse and set the tone for Europe’s security agenda in the coming years.
