Denmark’s justice minister has warned that hybrid attacks in Europe are becoming as significant a threat as terrorism was after 9/11.
Peter Hummelgaard spoke at a press conference, saying the region is entering a “new reality” where hybrid attacks are increasingly common. He explained that, just as the world adjusted to terrorist threats after September 11, countries now must adapt to hybrid warfare.
“We are in a new reality in Denmark and in other countries,” Hummelgaard said. “We will face these situations again. This is the nature of hybrid warfare.”
Recent attacks involving drones have raised security concerns across Europe. Sweden has pledged support to Denmark in defending against these threats, supplying anti-drone equipment and collaborating with local authorities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said drone attacks are impacting Denmark’s ability to host the upcoming EU summit. “Knowingly or unknowingly, drone attacks are affecting Denmark’s capacity to hold the EU summit on Wednesday,” he noted.
Kristersson added that similar hybrid attacks that struck Poland, Estonia, and Denmark could easily occur in Sweden. This highlights the widespread nature of the threat in Northern Europe.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called the current security situation in the region “very serious.” She emphasized that close cooperation between neighboring countries is crucial to respond effectively to hybrid threats.
In addition to providing anti-drone equipment, Sweden and Norway have deployed police forces to support Denmark during the summit. This joint effort aims to ensure security and deter potential attacks.
Denmark is also preparing legal measures to address the growing threat. Torsten Schack Pedersen, the Danish minister responsible for emergency situations, announced that a bill on drone neutralization will soon be presented to the Danish parliament, Folketing.
The legislation aims to give authorities greater powers to detect and neutralize drones that could be used for hybrid attacks. Pedersen stressed that rapid adaptation is critical to safeguard public events and maintain national security.
Hybrid attacks combine traditional and modern tactics, including cyber operations, drone strikes, and disinformation campaigns. Experts say they are difficult to predict and can target both civilian and government infrastructure.
Hummelgaard’s warning signals that European countries must now treat hybrid threats with the same urgency previously reserved for terrorism. Authorities are increasing surveillance, enhancing emergency protocols, and fostering international collaboration to mitigate risks.
Governments across the Nordic region are taking steps to strengthen their resilience. Cross-border cooperation, improved technology, and legal frameworks are part of a broader strategy to reduce vulnerability to hybrid attacks.
As Denmark and its neighbors adapt, officials stress that vigilance and proactive measures will be key to ensuring public safety. The EU summit is just one example of how such threats could disrupt major events, highlighting the need for a united, coordinated response.
