EU President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a direct acknowledgment of Russia’s ‘hybrid warfare’ tactics, including aerial violations and cyber attacks, as the European Union faces escalating threats from Moscow. In a speech before the European Parliament, von der Leyen highlighted recent incidents where Russian drones and warplanes have breached the airspace of six European nations in the past two weeks, prompting scrambling jets and grounding commercial flights. She emphasized that these incidents, which have occurred repeatedly, constitute a deliberate and targeted campaign against Europe, demanding a coordinated and robust response.
Von der Leyen stated that these actions are part of a broader series of kinetic and non-kinetic Russian attacks targeting undersea cables, airports, logistics hubs, and elections across the continent. The EU chief warned that such activities are calculated to operate in the ‘gray zone’ of deniability, aiming to unsettle citizens, test the union’s resolve, and weaken support for Ukraine. She called for a shift in mindset regarding EU security, stating that tackling hybrid warfare requires not only traditional defense measures but also investments in drone software, spare parts for critical infrastructure, rapid cyber response teams, and public awareness campaigns.
The EU is mobilizing nearly $930 billion in defense expenditures through 2030, marking the largest defense surge in the history of the European Union. This commitment underscores the increasing priority placed on cybersecurity and defense capabilities in the wake of escalating tensions with Russia. Germany, one of the key players in this effort, is also taking direct action, with the nation’s lawmakers set to approve measures allowing local police forces to shoot down drones. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has advocated for this enhancement as a response to the growing threat posed by drone incidents that have recently disrupted airport operations, including the grounding of flights at Munich airport following recent drone sightings.
In addition to legislative measures, Germany has also implemented laser systems to better detect Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that have caused disruptions across Europe in recent months. The German government’s approach reflects a broader effort by the EU to modernize its security infrastructure to counter hybrid threats. Von der Leyen reiterated the need for a unified and decisive response to these challenges, stressing that the EU must be prepared to leave its ‘comfort zone’ to protect its citizens and maintain its political cohesion in the face of ongoing provocations from Russia.