ISTANBUL

Denmark on Sunday banned civilian drone flights for the coming week ahead of an informal EU leaders’ meeting in Copenhagen.

"We cannot accept that foreign drones create uncertainty and disruption in society as we have experienced recently. At the same time, Denmark will host EU leaders next week, where we must have extra focus on safety. Therefore, from Monday to Friday, we will close Danish airspace to all civilian drone flights," Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said in a statement issued by the ministry.

Violation of the ban, which applies 24 hours a day, can result in a fine or imprisonment for up to two years.

"We are currently in a difficult security situation, and we must ensure the best possible working conditions for the Armed Forces and the Police when they are responsible for security during the EU summit. A task that already requires a great deal of effort from our authorities, who are working around the clock to protect the Danes and our guests," Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also said.

Danish authorities closed airspace over multiple airports late Thursday amid reports of drone activity, prompting flight diversions and heightening security concerns over what Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described as “a hybrid war unfolding on Danish soil.”

On Saturday, the Danish Armed Forces also said that they spotted new drones hovering over several of its locations.