BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s top official, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, issued a stark warning on Wednesday, asserting that Russia is orchestrating a “targeted gray zone campaign” against Europe. This campaign includes airspace violations, sabotage, and cyberattacks, which are expected to intensify if the Kremlin is not confronted. Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must respond decisively to these threats to safeguard its territory and security. In just two weeks, incidents such as fighter jets breaching Estonia’s airspace and drones overflying military bases and critical infrastructure sites in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Romania have been reported. Von der Leyen urged EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, to investigate every incident and attribute responsibility without hesitation. She stressed that every square centimeter of European territory must be protected and safe, warning that inaction would only allow the gray zone to expand. Under von der Leyen’s leadership, the EU’s executive branch is developing a comprehensive plan to address these challenges by 2030. This plan includes the creation of a “drone wall,” a high-tech system designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones, as well as disrupt their operating systems or ground-based pilots. EU officials believe Russia could potentially launch an attack on another European country within three to five years. Von der Leyen also highlighted the need for an affordable and effective anti-drone system, pointing to lessons from Ukraine. She argued that European countries must invest more in defense, ensuring that such investments create jobs and benefit the continent’s economy. The commission insists that at least 65% of any EU-funded defense project should be based in Europe, countering the current trend where most defense investments go to U.S. companies. At a recent summit in Copenhagen, EU leaders appeared to adopt a tougher stance on drone incidents, sabotage, cyberattacks, and sanction-busting. French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a more aggressive approach, including shooting down drones entering European airspace and intercepting shadow fleet ships illicitly transporting oil to deprive Moscow of war revenue.
EU chief says Russia is waging a ‘gray zone campaign’ and Europe must meet the challenge
