Europe bulletin: Sarkozy sentenced, SAP probe, Denmark drone attacks

A dramatic court ruling in France, a UK policy push on migration, a major antitrust probe in the EU, and renewed security concerns in Denmark dominated European news on Thursday.

From high-profile legal decisions to potential shifts in national security and corporate oversight, the day highlighted developments with wide-reaching political, regulatory, and economic implications.

Former French President Sarkozy sentenced to jail

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy received a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy over attempts to raise campaign funds from Libya, making him the first former French president slated to serve time in prison.

The ruling came on Thursday, marking a dramatic fall for the 2007–2012 head of state.

Sarkozy expressed outrage at the decision as he left the courtroom. “If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high,” he said, maintaining his innocence.

“I will not apologise for something I didn’t do.” He also described the ruling as having “extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system.”

Sarkozy intends to appeal the decision, though the sentence means he will serve time even while the appeal is underway.

UK Prime Minister Starmer eyes digital ID cards

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to outline plans for a national digital ID system, referred to as the “Brit card,” in a speech on Friday.

The initiative is intended to help prevent illegal migration and ensure that residents have the right to work in the country.

The proposals would require new legislation and are likely to face opposition from civil liberties groups.

Starmer said digital IDs could “play an important part” in reducing the appeal of illegal migration.

EU launches antitrust probe into SAP

Europe’s largest software maker, SAP, is under investigation by the European Commission for potentially anti-competitive aftermarket practices, though the company said it does not expect any financial impact.

The probe, announced Thursday, focuses on SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, widely used by companies to manage finance, human resources, supply chains, sales, and procurement.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said:

Danish airports targeted in hybrid drone attacks

Danish airports experienced renewed drone incursions, which the defence minister characterised as part of a hybrid attack.

Troels Lund Poulsen told reporters: “There can be no doubt that everything points to this being the work of a professional actor when we are talking about such a systematic operation in so many locations at virtually the same time.”

The activity led to several hours of flight suspensions at Aalborg Airport, which also functions as a military base.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said Denmark would strengthen its capacity to detect and neutralise drones.

The incidents follow earlier drone activity near Copenhagen Airport and come amid heightened regional tensions following similar attacks in Poland and Romania, and Russian fighter jet violations over Estonia.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the Copenhagen incursion as “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date.”