The informal meeting in Copenhagen took place in an atmosphere of heightened concern, following a recent escalation of Russian activity in both air and sea domains. European leaders discussed the need to strengthen surveillance mechanisms and to craft a unified European response to Moscow’s provocations.

Hosted by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the historic Christiansborg Palace, and chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa, the summit focused on two main issues: bolstering European defence and ensuring continued, uninterrupted support for Ukraine. Against the backdrop of escalating war and hybrid threats, leaders sent a clear message: “Russia is testing our limits, but we will respond with unity and determination.”

Baltic Security and Hybrid Threats

A central topic was the rise in drone overflights in the Baltic Sea, particularly near military facilities and energy infrastructure. According to European officials, these incidents are viewed as part of a broader “hybrid threat” designed to create insecurity and pressure governments.

Leaders examined proposals for stronger air defence and closer intelligence-sharing between member states. They also stressed the importance of a common diplomatic front towards Moscow, aimed at deterrence.

“Europe must show unity and determination in the face of these threats,” Frederiksen said, underscoring that the security of the Baltic Sea concerns the entire continent.

Sanctions, SAFE, and the “Wall of Drones”

Discussions also touched on the possibility of new sanctions should Russian provocations escalate further. NATO’s role in reinforcing Baltic defences was raised, while leaders stressed that the challenge extends beyond the region, affecting Europe’s security as a whole.

On Ukraine—now three years and seven months into Russia’s full-scale invasion—leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kyiv on all fronts. A 19th sanctions package is under consideration, targeting Russian oil revenues, banks, cryptocurrencies, and the so-called “shadow fleet.”

The issue of managing frozen Russian assets was also debated. Sanctions are currently renewed every six months by unanimity, but a shift to a qualified majority is being considered to prevent political obstruction by individual states such as Viktor Orbán’s Hungary.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a “scoping paper” with High Representative Kaja Kallas, outlining priority areas including air and missile defence, drones, anti-drone systems, artillery, cyber resilience, and military mobility.

“We went one step further today,” Costa said, welcoming support for flagship initiatives such as the ‘European Wall of Drones’ and ‘Eastern Flank Watch.’ Von der Leyen added that the €150 billion SAFE fund will be operational within 10 months, with first tranches for joint procurement available from early 2026.

“The nature of warfare has fundamentally changed,” she noted, citing Ukraine’s daily interception of 800 drones. “Ukraine today is Europe’s security guarantee.”

A 2030 Defence Roadmap

Leaders agreed in principle on the need for a pan-European defence roadmap with clear milestones and objectives for 2030 readiness. The Commission will present the plan within two weeks, ahead of a European Council decision on 23–24 October.

Von der Leyen wrote on X: “We all agree that we need a true shift in how Europe thinks and acts on defence. Because only what gets measured gets done.”

Frederiksen emphasized that Europe is engaged in a “hybrid war” and must “rearm” to meet the 2030 target.

National Priorities

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the need to strengthen Europe’s southern borders as well as its eastern flank, citing the role of new technologies in modern warfare.

“Greece has long supported defence spending above the European average, exceeding 3% of GDP,” he said. “Europe must mobilise resources for common defence projects, such as missile defence or the drone defence wall. These cannot be limited to the East alone. Europe must shield its entire territory against future threats.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said: “Russia is trying to test us and sow division and anxiety in our societies. We will not allow it.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for a “European preference” in defence innovation, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged faster interoperability with NATO.

Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, pushing back against majority-vote proposals on sanctions and enlargement, declared: “We cannot open Ukraine’s accession by bypassing Hungary.”

Estonian High Representative Kaja Kallas warned of “state terrorism” from Russia, while Andrii Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressed: “The only army in Europe with real experience in modern warfare is Ukraine’s—we must integrate that expertise into the Wall of Drones.”

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was absent due to health issues following last year’s assassination attempt.

Looking Ahead

The Copenhagen summit is viewed as a preparatory step ahead of next month’s formal European Council, where more concrete decisions on Europe’s defence strategy and response to Russia are expected.