• EU leaders propose a 'drone wall' to enhance aerial defense systems in response to airspace violations.
• Denmark’s Prime Minister highlights the urgency for improved drone capabilities following incidents that disrupted traffic.
• The plan includes deploying a network of sensors and weapons to intercept unmanned aircraft from Russia.
• Support for using frozen Russian assets to fund a loan to Ukraine is also tabled for discussion by EU leaders.
• Different interpretations of the 'drone wall' concept reflect varying levels of commitment among EU states.

European Union leaders convened in Copenhagen to discuss a 'drone wall' aimed at bolstering the continent's defenses following recent incidents where unidentified drones invaded Danish airspace, forcing temporary airport closures. This initiative is particularly focused on protecting the eastern flank of the EU, which is viewed as increasingly vulnerable to threats from Russia, especially in light of Moscow’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine. “Europe must be able to defend itself,” asserted Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, emphasizing the need for strengthened anti-drone capabilities and the establishment of a coordinated defense network, according to Reuters.

The discussions come shortly after a series of drone incursions over Poland and fighter jet overflights over Estonia, which have raised significant security concerns for EU nations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever also voiced their apprehensions regarding the implications of using frozen Russian assets to fund military initiatives, with De Wever warning about potential risks that such financial strategies could pose to the euro zone's stability. “If countries see that central bank money can disappear if European politicians see fit, they might decide to withdraw their reserves from the euro zone,” he stated, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reaffirmed the importance of the proposed drone wall, describing it as a network of detection and defense systems that could effectively counter unmanned aircraft threats from Russia. “It is basically an anti-drone system that is able to do swift detection, interception and, of course, if necessary, neutralisation,” she explained, although specifics about funding and operational details remain contentious. Leaders highlighted the need for a collaborative defense effort, especially with insights from Ukraine about effective drone countermeasures, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

The proposal to establish a drone wall comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has pressed the EU to take greater responsibility for its own security. Several European nations have already committed troops and anti-drone systems to strengthen defense measures during the summit. However, concerns remain regarding the financing of such an expansive project, with suggestions that a collective approach may be necessary to share the financial burden among member states, as stated by Estonia’s Prime Minister. Financial estimates for the 'drone wall' project are still unclear, with officials suggesting it could amount to “several billion euros,” according to Reuters and India Times.

As EU leaders finalize their discussions, they will reconvene in three weeks to further refine these proposals, building upon input from key stakeholders in defense and international relations, while addressing the pressing need for heightened security against aerial threats posed by Russia, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.