The informal EU summit in Copenhagen brought together Europe’s leaders to coordinate a response to a new, shared threat: drones. Danish authorities had already deployed a ring of police and military to protect the government district as the bloc’s heads of state and government gathered for a high-stakes discussion about how Europe will defend itself in an era of rapid drone technology and heightened foreign pressure. The threat has proven persistent, with repeated drone alerts across Denmark prompting Sweden and several other countries to deploy troops, police, and anti-drone systems to the Danish capital.
“I am glad that we can be helpful so that this meeting can be held at all,” said the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, underscoring the sense of urgency and shared responsibility among EU partners. The tension was palpable as the security measures underscored a concern that has moved beyond talk to real-time defense planning.
Drone threats spur talk of a European defense shield, not a physical wall
One recurring theme at the talks was whether the EU should pursue a drone defense shield along its eastern borders. Several officials cautioned that a full, physical barrier is not the intention. Kristersson stressed that the discussion is about greater collaboration on technology, joint procurement, and expanding production capacity—so Europe can counter threats without relying solely on traditional defense structures. “It is not about the EU taking over tasks from NATO or national defense, but it is useful for the EU to cooperate more on technology and common procurement to increase our production capacity,” Kristersson noted. Yet, he also warned against inflated expectations, saying, “Just so no one imagines we will have a new physical wall in Europe in a matter of months.”
Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, acknowledged support for aggressive action against drone incursions but emphasized careful handling. “I am generally in favor of shooting them down, but it must be done in the right way,” Frederiksen told reporters, reflecting the delicate balance between assertive defense and civilian risk. The discourse highlighted a shared recognition that defensive measures must be effective while preserving civilian safety and international law.
Luxuries and limits of force: how far will Europe go?
The question of using force to defend airspace is at the heart of European debate, especially in light of Swedish airspace incursions. Kristersson stated, “We will not hesitate to shoot down if it is what’s required.” He added that every decision would be made with careful assessments of risks to civilians. The discussion also touched on broader security dynamics: while nimble, decisive action is necessary, European democracies remain committed to proportional responses and the rule of law.
The dialogue sits within a broader context of rising tension with Russia, whose actions have prompted questions about sovereignty and defense across Europe. Swedish officials acknowledged that recent Russian airspace intrusions have been more frequent and deliberate, creating a new normal in which vigilance is essential but not an invitation to escalate beyond necessity.
Sanctions, assets, and Ukraine relief: how the EU plans to hit back
Beyond military readiness, EU leaders continued to tighten the economic noose on Russia. A 19th sanctions package was on the agenda, with discussions intensifying about using frozen Russian assets—primarily held in Belgian accounts—as a source of funding for Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, presented a plan to channel 140 billion euros to Ukraine through a reparations loan backed by those frozen assets. She argued, “It’s not just European taxpayers who should pay for support to Ukraine; Russia must be held accountable.” The proposal aligns with a broader strategy to sustain Kyiv’s defense and rebuild while applying economic pressure on Moscow.
As the summit pressed on, leaders underscored a pragmatic ethos: strengthen member states’ defenses, align technology and sourcing, and keep the door open to intensified, scalable responses. The idea of a drone defense wall was imagined as a shield—an interoperable, high-tech layer of protection—not a concrete barrier meant to partition the continent. In that framing, the EU seeks to harmonize capabilities, bolster rapid procurement, and ensure the bloc can act cohesively when threats emerge.
Looking ahead: a blended approach to security, sovereignty, and solidarity
What emerges from Copenhagen is a blended approach that mixes deterrence with resilience. The EU aims to empower member states with smarter surveillance, more capable air defenses, and common procurement to avoid brittle or fragmented responses. The conversation will continue as the 19th sanctions package moves toward consensus and as the Commission’s reparations loan plan interacts with the bloc’s broader strategy to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. For now, European leaders signaled a willingness to act decisively—whether through drone defense measures, more advanced technology cooperation, or tightly targeted sanctions—while maintaining the careful, consultative processes that a union of 27 diverse democracies requires.
