World

How Poland Bolsters Copenhagen’s Security: A Deep Dive into EU Summit Protection

Polish troops deployed to Copenhagen to secure summits after drone breaches, in an act of solidarity.

September 30, 2025, 11:30 PM

Polish soldiers in camouflage march in formation with bayonets fixed

Polish soldiers in camouflage uniforms and green berets march in a parade during Polish Army Day celebrations. By NGCHIYUI / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Polish troops have been deployed to Copenhagen to bolster security for two high-level European summits following a Danish request amid increasing concerns over recent drone airspace breaches.

The deployment of 30 Polish soldiers is described as an “act of solidarity,” reciprocating past aid from EU allies, including Denmark, during a Russian drone incursion into Poland.

The security measures, including a ban on civilian drone flights, underscore a growing regional focus on collective defense and airspace integrity, with EU eastern flank nations agreeing to create a “drone wall” to enhance security.

The Story So Far

Denmark requested Polish troops to bolster security for high-level European summits due to increasing concerns over recent airspace breaches involving unidentified drones and Russian aircraft, which have affected multiple European nations, including a significant incursion into Poland earlier this month. This deployment is an act of solidarity, reflecting a broader European focus on collective defense and airspace integrity, especially following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and ongoing regional security challenges.

Why This Matters

The deployment of Polish troops to Copenhagen for high-level European summits, following drone-related airspace breaches, underscores a significant escalation in European security concerns and a growing commitment to collective defense and solidarity among EU nations, particularly in response to evolving hybrid threats and airspace integrity challenges.

Who Thinks What?

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz view the deployment of Polish troops to Copenhagen as an “act of solidarity” with Denmark, reciprocating past aid during Russian drone incursions into Poland.

Danish officials requested Polish assistance and significantly escalated security measures, including a civilian drone flight ban, due to increasing concerns over recent airspace breaches by unidentified drones and the need to secure high-level European summits.

Moscow consistently denies that recent airspace incidents involving Russian aircraft or drones constituted intentional provocations.

Polish troops have been deployed to Copenhagen this week to bolster security for two high-level European summits, following a request from Denmark amid increasing concerns over recent airspace breaches involving drones.

Polish Deployment and Solidarity

A contingent of 30 soldiers from the Polish armed forces will assist in securing meetings of EU and other European leaders from Tuesday to Friday. This deployment comes as Denmark significantly escalates its security measures in the capital.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the deployment on Tuesday. Tusk described the move as an “act of solidarity,” recalling how EU allies, including Denmark, aided Poland during an incursion of approximately 20 Russian drones earlier this month.

European Summits and Security Measures

On Wednesday, EU heads of state and government are scheduled to convene in Copenhagen for an informal meeting. Discussions will focus on continued support for Ukraine and European defense strategies, prompted by a series of airspace violations by Russian manned and unmanned aircraft in recent weeks.

This will be followed on Thursday by a summit of the wider, 47-member European Political Community, a forum established after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Polish soldiers will join thousands of Danish and allied personnel ensuring security for these events.

Danish officials implemented a ban on all civilian drone flights from Monday to Friday, effective Sunday. This decision was made after multiple unidentified drones disrupted operations at civilian and military airports across Denmark and other European locations over the past weekend.

Regional Context of Airspace Breaches

Separately, European Union member states on the bloc’s eastern flank agreed last Friday to create a “drone wall” to enhance EU airspace security. This initiative follows the September 9-10 incursion into Poland and an incident on September 19 where three Russian jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.

Moscow has consistently denied that these airspace incidents constituted intentional provocations.

Coordinated European Response

The coordinated security efforts in Copenhagen underscore a growing regional focus on collective defense and airspace integrity. European nations are increasingly prioritizing collaborative responses to evolving security threats, particularly those involving unmanned aerial vehicles.