Denmark Hosts Urgent EU Summit Amid Drone Threats, Ukraine Talks

UPDATE: Denmark is hosting an urgent EU summit amid escalating drone threats over military sites, with 27 European leaders gathering in Copenhagen on October 18-19, 2023. The summit, focused on defense initiatives, comes after drone sightings prompted temporary airport closures and heightened security measures across the country.

Over the past week, Denmark has experienced a series of drone sightings, including near sensitive military installations, forcing authorities to ban all civilian drone flights for the duration of the summit. As leaders prepare to discuss critical issues such as a proposed Drone Wall and support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.

The informal European Council summit on Wednesday will be followed by a gathering of the European Political Community on Thursday, attended by over 40 heads of state. The discussions are expected to sharpen focus on how to better defend the eastern flank of Europe and accelerate the enhancement of the EU’s defense capabilities ahead of the decade’s end.

The European Commission has released a critical Scoping Paper outlining four flagship projects aimed at urgent funding and implementation: a European Drone Wall, Eastern Flank Watch, Air Defence Shield, and Defence Space Shield. The concept of a Drone Wall was initially discussed last week, following airspace violations attributed to Russia in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. However, the complexities of implementing such a system were highlighted by the French presidential palace, emphasizing the need for a multi-layered defense approach.

With expectations moderated by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who indicated that a quick rollout of the Drone Wall is unlikely in the next three to four years, leaders are urged to prioritize other defense capabilities. The gathering will also address the €150 billion SAFE loan programme, which aims to boost joint procurement and strengthen the European defense industrial base.

As discussions unfold, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is set to join virtually, providing updates on the ongoing conflict. Key topics will include securing ongoing financial support for Ukraine’s defense efforts and advancing its EU accession process amid significant political challenges, including Hungary’s veto on negotiations.

The matter of financing Ukraine will be critical, especially as the prospect of peace talks remains bleak. The EU has nearly €200 billion of Russian assets immobilized, which may be leveraged for Ukraine’s recovery, although complex legal implications complicate this approach.

Additionally, leaders will consider amending EU accession rules to allow for a qualified majority vote, which could expedite Ukraine’s membership bid currently stalled by Hungary’s concerns.

As the summit progresses, discussions will also encompass broader European security issues, including migration and hybrid threats, with leaders from the UK, Turkey, and the Western Balkans joining the dialogue.

The stakes are high, and the outcomes of this urgent summit could shape the future of European defense and Ukraine’s path forward. Stay tuned for live updates as this critical meeting unfolds.