Europe Faces Unprecedented Threats as Leaders Unite for Defence Cooperation

Europe finds itself in a precarious situation, described by Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as the most challenging since the end of World War II. During an EU summit in Copenhagen focused on enhancing the continent's defence capabilities by 2030, Frederiksen highlighted the pervasive impact of Russia's hybrid warfare across European nations. She emphasized that attacks such as drone incursions and acts of sabotage are not isolated incidents but threats that could affect any European country at any time. "I hope that everybody recognizes now that there is a hybrid war, and one day it’s Poland, the other day it’s Denmark, and next week it will probably be somewhere else that we see sabotage or drones flying," Frederiksen told reporters. On a similar note, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Denmark, particularly concerning recent drone activities, but called for vigilance to prevent escalation. Macron commended France’s ongoing investigation into an oil tanker connected to Russia's potential shadow fleet while refraining from linking it definitively to the drone incidents over Denmark. Against a backdrop of heightened tension, Danish authorities have imposed restrictions on civilian drones amid several unidentified aircraft sightings at airports, further stirring concerns over national security. In response, a German frigate has bolstered air surveillance in Denmark, with assistance from both Sweden and France, dispatching equipment and personnel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated a broader pattern of aggression directed from Russia, citing incidents involving drones in Poland and recent violations of Estonian airspace by Russian jets. Recognizing the urgency of this emerging threat, Denmark, a key advocate for rearming Europe by 2030, is underlining the need for a comprehensive response. As part of this effort, the European Commission has proposed two critical initiatives: a drone wall designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile aircraft, and a strategic defense framework, referred to as eastern flank watch, aimed at safeguarding the EU’s eastern borders on land, air, and sea. EU member states are pressed to finalize these plans by late October, alongside discussions about joint projects for missile defense and advanced space shielding technology. However, consensus among leaders is proving elusive, particularly regarding a €140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine derived from frozen Russian assets. While support for the initiative has grown, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vocal about backing it, nations like France, Belgium, and Luxembourg remain hesitant. In defending the plan, Macron raised concerns about respecting international law connected to frozen assets, echoing sentiments from Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever about the risks of bearing liabilities alone. "When assets are frozen, one has to respect international law," Macron asserted, stressing the collective responsibility within the EU. De Wever expressed the need for caution: "Taking Putin’s money and leaving the risks with us is not going to happen." Despite differing opinions, the European Commission believes it has formulated a legally feasible plan that would enable Ukraine to benefit from these frozen assets without infringing on Russia’s property rights. The proposal suggests that Ukraine could receive an interest-free loan from the EU, to be repaid once Moscow compensates Kyiv for the monumental destruction caused during the ongoing conflict. Finland, Sweden, and Ireland have joined in supporting this plan, demonstrating a unified front amongst some member states. Conversely, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the urgency to expedite this initiative but recognized that not all member states are on board. Nonetheless, she downplayed the concerns tied to investor confidence in the eurozone, stating, "If you don’t start the war against another country, then you are out of the risk." As Europe grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the call for a united response underscores the imperative to fortify defence strategies and ensure the continent is prepared for evolving threats. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2