Denmark Tactical: Security measures, traffic restrictions announced due to EU Summit in Copenhagen on September 29-October 3; maintain heightened vigilance

Sep 2025

7:01 UTC

Current Situation

On October 1–2, Copenhagen will host EU heads of state and government for a summit on defense and security.
On October 1, the Royal Family will host a dinner for the EU leaders at Amalienborg Palace. Additionally, an informal meeting of the EU leaders will be held at Christiansborg on the same day. The following day, the European Political Community will convene for a meeting at the Bella Center. The exact timings for each event have not been made public.
As a result of the summit, authorities will implement extensive security measures from September 29 to October 3. Major roads will be closed at times, and traffic will be affected in the city centre (Indre By), Amager, and areas around Copenhagen Airport (CPH).
Additionally, authorities will impose restrictions on the airspace. A temporary restricted zone will be established over large parts of Copenhagen and across Amager. Within this zone, flying UAVs will be prohibited unless prior written approval is granted by the police. Smaller aircraft may only operate in the area with clearance from the control tower at CPH Airport. Further details can be found here (in Danish).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assessment & Forecast

Given the high-profile nature of the EU Summit, coupled with extensive security measures, severe disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian movement are expected in Copenhagen over the coming days. Disruptions will be particularly severe along major highways and corridors connecting CPH Airport to Copenhagen, where road closures, police escorts, and traffic diversions will be in effect.
Traffic congestion is likely to extend well beyond official closure zones, especially where detour routes intersect with commercial transit corridors or residential districts. This may result in delays for public buses and trams, particularly in Copenhagen.
Although no specific threats to the summit have been reported, the event remains a potential target for violent actors, including ideologically motivated individuals. These individuals may attempt to exploit soft targets near public venues or mass transit areas using rudimentary methods, including knife attacks or vehicle rammings. In the event of a security alert, authorities are likely to enact immediate lockdown procedures and implement controlled evacuations within affected zones.
Additionally, authorities are likely to further bolster airspace security and are likely to shoot down any aerial vehicle approaching the restricted zone. This is especially true considering recent incidents of UAV sightings near CPH Airport. Further such UAV sightings amid the arrival and departure of EU leaders will likely lead to disruptions to airport services. With EU leaders slated to discuss support for Ukraine at the summit, other suspected forms of Russian hybrid incidents are also likely.

Recommendations

Those operating or residing in Copenhagen from September 29 to October 3 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the EU Summit locations and CPH Airport due to the aforementioned security threats.
Allot for significant disruptions to travel due to traffic restrictions across Copenhagen throughout the summit.
Travelers, residents, and business operators should prepare for continued delays, maintain situational awareness, and comply with police directives at all times.

Low

Copenhagen, Denmark

Medium

Confirmed

Current Situation

On October 1–2, Copenhagen will host EU heads of state and government for a summit on defense and security.
On October 1, the Royal Family will host a dinner for the EU leaders at Amalienborg Palace. Additionally, an informal meeting of the EU leaders will be held at Christiansborg on the same day. The following day, the European Political Community will convene for a meeting at the Bella Center. The exact timings for each event have not been made public.
As a result of the summit, authorities will implement extensive security measures from September 29 to October 3. Major roads will be closed at times, and traffic will be affected in the city centre (Indre By), Amager, and areas around Copenhagen Airport (CPH).
Additionally, authorities will impose restrictions on the airspace. A temporary restricted zone will be established over large parts of Copenhagen and across Amager. Within this zone, flying UAVs will be prohibited unless prior written approval is granted by the police. Smaller aircraft may only operate in the area with clearance from the control tower at CPH Airport. Further details can be found here (in Danish).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assessment & Forecast

Given the high-profile nature of the EU Summit, coupled with extensive security measures, severe disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian movement are expected in Copenhagen over the coming days. Disruptions will be particularly severe along major highways and corridors connecting CPH Airport to Copenhagen, where road closures, police escorts, and traffic diversions will be in effect.
Traffic congestion is likely to extend well beyond official closure zones, especially where detour routes intersect with commercial transit corridors or residential districts. This may result in delays for public buses and trams, particularly in Copenhagen.
Although no specific threats to the summit have been reported, the event remains a potential target for violent actors, including ideologically motivated individuals. These individuals may attempt to exploit soft targets near public venues or mass transit areas using rudimentary methods, including knife attacks or vehicle rammings. In the event of a security alert, authorities are likely to enact immediate lockdown procedures and implement controlled evacuations within affected zones.
Additionally, authorities are likely to further bolster airspace security and are likely to shoot down any aerial vehicle approaching the restricted zone. This is especially true considering recent incidents of UAV sightings near CPH Airport. Further such UAV sightings amid the arrival and departure of EU leaders will likely lead to disruptions to airport services. With EU leaders slated to discuss support for Ukraine at the summit, other suspected forms of Russian hybrid incidents are also likely.

Recommendations

Those operating or residing in Copenhagen from September 29 to October 3 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the EU Summit locations and CPH Airport due to the aforementioned security threats.
Allot for significant disruptions to travel due to traffic restrictions across Copenhagen throughout the summit.
Travelers, residents, and business operators should prepare for continued delays, maintain situational awareness, and comply with police directives at all times.

Low

Copenhagen, Denmark

Medium

Confirmed

Denmark Tactical: Security measures, traffic restrictions announced due to EU Summit in Copenhagen on September 29-October 3; maintain heightened vigilance

Current Situation

Assessment & Forecast

Recommendations

Current Situation

Assessment & Forecast

Recommendations

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