European Union leaders convened in Copenhagen on September 30, 2025, for a critical summit addressing the escalating threat of hybrid warfare, with a particular focus on Russia's activities. The meeting, hosted by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, was prompted by a series of concerning drone incursions near Danish and Norwegian civilian airports and military installations between September 22 and 28, 2025. These incidents temporarily disrupted air traffic and underscored growing vulnerabilities within the region, leading Denmark to implement a special radar system at Copenhagen Airport. Denmark is also actively cooperating with neighboring countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to improve air defense systems and intelligence sharing. In the context of the summit, Denmark temporarily closed its airspace for civilian drones from September 29 to October 3 to ensure security during the event and avoid confusion with enemy drones. This ban also simplified the work of law enforcement agencies. In response to the evolving security landscape, NATO has increased its presence in the Baltic Sea region, deploying intelligence assets and an air-defense frigate as part of its enhanced "Baltic Sentry" mission to protect critical infrastructure.
The summit's discussions delved into the multifaceted nature of hybrid warfare, which strategically blends conventional military tactics with unconventional methods such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the use of drones. The EU is also working on a drone detection and interception system, drawing on Ukraine's experience. Leaders aimed to forge a united and measured response to deter further aggression without inadvertently escalating tensions. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the ongoing and widespread impact of hybrid warfare across multiple nations. French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a strong deterrent while stressing the importance of caution, a sentiment echoed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who advised against overreaction.
A significant outcome of the summit was the emphasis on the critical need for unity and preparedness among EU member states. Discussions also explored broader geopolitical strategies, including the potential development of a "drone wall" along the eastern borders of the EU—a network of sensors, jammers, and air-defense systems—as a collective EU security project to enhance self-reliance in defense. Furthermore, leaders debated the utilization of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a complex issue reflecting the bloc's commitment to its allies while navigating intricate financial and legal considerations. Germany supported the idea of providing a loan to Ukraine using future reparations, while France, Belgium, and Luxembourg expressed doubts about the legality of such a step. The situation around the Zaporizhzhia NPP was also a focal point, highlighting the critical threat to nuclear safety in Europe. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to strengthening collective resilience marked a pivotal moment for European security.