Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Video screenshot

 

EU leaders have gathered in Copenhagen amidst rising security concerns following Russian airspace violations and recent drone disruptions at Danish airports. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised the urgency of a robust response, stating, "from a European perspective there is only one country... willing to threaten us and that is Russia, and therefore we need a very strong answer back."

 

The situation has escalated, particularly affecting EU nations such as Poland and Estonia. As a response, member states are supporting a multi-layered "drone wall" to detect and neutralise Russian drones. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen endorsed increasing military aid to Ukraine and enhancing Europe's defence capabilities.

 

Denmark, hosting a major summit, tightened security by banning civilian drone flights and restricting traffic. Countries like Poland, the UK, and the US are providing anti-drone support, while a German frigate has docked in Copenhagen. Last week's drone incidents targeted several Danish airports, sparking heightened vigilance.

 

Despite no confirmed Russian involvement, Frederiksen associated the Copenhagen events with a broader pattern of Russian hybrid attacks. Additionally, European leaders are examining plans for the "Eastern Flank Watch" initiative to strengthen border defences. Ole Kvaerno from Denmark warned of potential threats to infrastructure, highlighting the unpredictable nature of hybrid warfare.

 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted worsening drone incursions, attributing them to Russian activity. The EU plans to present a “road map” to bolster its defences and stimulate military advancements by 2030. The initiative aims to fund defence investments, with the EU considering joint procurement strategies.

 

As discussions continue, Ukraine's EU candidacy and related tensions with Hungary are also on the agenda. Prime Minister Viktor Orban labelled Ukraine as "not a sovereign country," citing Western funding as a major factor, amidst accusations from Kyiv against Hungary.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• EU leaders met in Copenhagen to discuss robust responses to Russian threats.
• Plans include a "drone wall" and enhanced support for Ukraine.
• Denmark tightened security due to recent drone disruptions and international presence.

Related Stories:

Drone Sightings Shuts Copenhagen Airport for Hours 

Denmark's Defence Shaken by Drone Intrusions Across Jutland

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-02

 

 

I’m sure the EU government could work out some sort of trade agreement with Denmark.

 

In 2024, 157,947 people registered asylum applications in France, a slight decrease from 2023, with the top countries of origin being Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Haiti. Additionally, 153,600 asylum applications were lodged with the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. 

 

In 2024, approximately 237,000 first-time asylum applications were submitted in Germany, a 30% decrease from the previous year. At the end of 2024, the total number of people living in Germany with a recognized right to protection, including recognized asylum seekers and refugees, was around 3.3 million. 

In 2024, Italy registered around 151,120 first asylum requests, a significant increase from previous years, and by the end of 2024, approximately 139,141 asylum applicants and beneficiaries of international protection were in the reception system. The largest nationalities applying for asylum were from Bangladesh, followed by Peru, Pakistan, Egypt, and Tunisia

 

In 2024, Spain received a record-breaking 167,366 applications for international protection, with the largest numbers of applicants coming from Venezuela, Colombia, Mali, Peru, and Senegal. This represented a slight increase of 2.5% compared to the 163,220 applications received in 2023. 

 

Now let’s look at Denmark.
 

In mid-2024, Denmark hosted 2,319 asylum seekers, with a further 8,535 people in pending asylum cases. In the full year of 2024, around 900 new asylum applications were registered, and 864 people were granted asylum, a historically low number due to the country's strict asylum policy. 

 

Key figures for 2024:

• Asylum Seekers: Mid-2024 saw 2,319 people in the asylum process. 
   
• Pending Cases: 2,200 asylum cases were pending a decision by May 2025, indicating a backlog. 
   
• Applications: Approximately 900 asylum applications were registered in 2024. 
   
• Asylum Granted: A total of 864 people were granted asylum in Denmark in 2024, which was the second lowest figure in 40 years. 

 

 

Action from the EU? 😆

 

The EU is there to take money from you, tell you what to do and then flood your country with migrants.

 

Did Denmark think they were there to help them? Very naive.

For a small country (not counting Greenland), it and this PM

have a loud voice against Russia.

Serves them well to get some drones.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Ukraine's EU candidacy

oh NO ☠️🤢💩