Europe needs a broader response to hybrid threats, von der Leyen said

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized that recent incidents involving drones and airspace violations point to a growing form of hybrid warfare to which Europe must respond in a coordinated manner that goes beyond traditional defense.

In her speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she stressed that these events were not coincidental, but rather systematic efforts to undermine stability, divide the European Union, and weaken its support for Ukraine.

Von der Leyen did not explicitly name Russia as the originator of all incidents, but pointed to Moscow's intention to sow divisions between European states. Several of these incidents have already been attributed to Russia by European representatives.

According to the Commission President, Europe must rethink its approach to security, strengthen the resilience of member states, and maintain unity in protecting common values and citizens.

(reuters, sie)