Denmark has banned all civilian drone flights this week ahead of a European Union summit in Copenhagen, the country's transport minister said on Sunday.
The ministry stated that the decision was made to simplify security work for the police, who are not willing to accept foreign drones creating uncertainty and disruption.
In recent weeks, Denmark, along with several European countries, has reported 'drone incidents' following the sighting of UAVs above Danish military sites.
Defence ministers from 10 EU nations have agreed to construct a drone wall in response to these sightings, while NATO has increased vigilance across the Baltic region.
In their statement regarding the ban, the transport ministry noted that police are on significantly increased alert as preparations continue for the upcoming summit, emphasizing the need to secure the safety of Danes and international guests.
The drone ban will be in effect until October 3, with violations potentially leading to fines or a prison sentence of up to two years.
Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. Reports of unidentified drones have been rampant in Denmark since September 22, when their sightings prompted the temporary closure of Copenhagen and Oslo airports. Aalborg and Billund airports also halted operations last week due to similar drone activities.
Danish investigators have yet to identify those responsible for the drone flights, with the defence minister labeling the incidents as a hybrid attack and part of a systematic operation.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen revealed that authorities are still probing into the causes of these incursions, while not ruling out possible involvement from Russia. Moscow has firmly denied any allegations of being involved in the incidents.
Meanwhile, Estonia and Poland have introduced requests for consultations with other NATO members due to recent incursions by Russian drones and jets into their airspace.
In addition to Denmark's issues, Norway and Romania reported separate drone incidents over the weekend, leading to increased scrutiny and adjustments in air traffic regulations.
