Europe in ‘most dangerous situation’ since second world war, Danish PM warns
At an EU summit in Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Europe is confronting its most perilous period since World War II, citing Russian hybrid tactics such as drone incursions and sabotage. Leaders discussed accelerated defence projects, a “drone wall,” and the use of f…
Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, used a high‑profile EU summit in Copenhagen to declare that Europe is now in its "most difficult and dangerous situation" since the end of the Second World War. The warning came as EU leaders gathered to accelerate a continent‑wide defence agenda aimed at deterring any future aggression by 2030.
Why the warning matters now
Frederiksen’s statement was anchored in a series of recent incidents that she described as part of a broader "Russian hybrid war." Unidentified drones have been spotted over Danish airspace, prompting the temporary closure of civilian drone activity and the deployment of a German frigate to boost surveillance. Similar incursions have been reported in Poland, while Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace earlier this month. These events, according to the Danish premier, illustrate a pattern of testing Europe’s resolve.
French President Emmanuel Macron, while expressing solidarity with Denmark over the drone sightings, urged caution. "We must be strong to deter aggression, but we also have to avoid escalation," he told reporters. Macron also highlighted France’s investigation into an oil tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, though he stopped short of confirming any direct link to the drone activity over Denmark.
EU’s accelerated defence blueprint
The Copenhagen gathering is part of a wider push to ready Europe for potential threats before the end of the decade. Earlier in March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an €800 billion defence spending plan at the Royal Danish Military Academy, reaffirming the 2030 goal of a fully re‑armed Europe. In a preparatory paper circulated to capitals, the Commission identified two urgent projects: a "drone wall" capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile UAVs, and an "Eastern Flank Watch" system to protect the EU’s eastern borders across land, sea and air.
Member states are expected to endorse these initiatives by late October, alongside parallel programmes for missile defences and a space‑based shield. While Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Ireland have voiced strong support, other countries remain divided, particularly over a proposed €140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine funded by frozen Russian assets.
Debate over frozen Russian assets
The loan proposal, championed by the European Commission, would provide Ukraine with an interest‑free EU loan that would be repaid once Moscow fulfills reparations obligations. However, the plan has sparked controversy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently threw his weight behind it, but France, Belgium and Luxembourg expressed reservations. French President Macron echoed concerns about respecting international law, while Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that using the assets could expose his country to financial risk, noting Belgium’s stake in Euroclear, the Brussels‑based clearing house where €183 billion of Russian sovereign assets are frozen.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, a long‑time advocate for tapping frozen assets, insisted the commission had identified a legally sound mechanism that would not infringe on Russia’s property rights. She also downplayed worries about investor confidence, stating that the loan would only be issued if the war does not spread further.
What comes next for Europe’s security
As the summit concludes, European leaders face a dual challenge: bolstering defence capabilities while navigating complex legal and diplomatic terrain surrounding Russian assets. The next steps include finalising the drone‑wall architecture, securing commitments for the Eastern Flank Watch, and reaching a consensus on the Ukraine loan before the October deadline.
In the short term, Denmark will continue to tighten its airspace, with additional NATO assets expected to rotate through Copenhagen. Sweden and France have already dispatched surveillance equipment and personnel, and the German frigate remains on station to augment radar coverage. The broader EU response will likely hinge on how quickly member states can agree on funding mechanisms and operational coordination.
Ultimately, Frederiksen’s stark warning underscores a growing perception that hybrid tactics—ranging from unmanned aerial incursions to cyber‑enabled sabotage—are reshaping the security landscape in Europe. Whether the continent can co‑ordinate a unified, rapid response will determine if the current tension escalates into a larger conflict or remains contained through diplomatic and defensive measures.
Why it matters
The summit highlights Europe’s urgent need to counter hybrid warfare and decide how to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, shaping the continent’s security posture for the next decade.
Key points
- Denmark’s PM says Europe faces its most dangerous period since WWII due to Russian hybrid tactics
- EU leaders aim to deliver a "drone wall" and Eastern Flank Watch by 2030
- A €140 bn loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets remains contested
- Germany, Sweden and France have deployed surveillance assets to Denmark
- Debate continues over legal and financial risks of using frozen Russian sovereign assets
Frequently asked questions
What is the "drone wall" the EU is planning?
The drone wall is a proposed network of sensors, radars and interceptor systems designed to detect, track and shoot down hostile unmanned aerial vehicles operating over European airspace.
Why are frozen Russian assets a point of contention?
While the EU sees the assets as a source of funding for Ukraine, some member states worry that using them could breach international law and expose their financial institutions to legal and market risks.
Which countries have sent additional defence equipment to Denmark?
Germany dispatched a frigate for air surveillance, while Sweden and France sent radar and personnel to help monitor the Danish skies.
