European Commission President said recent Russian intrusions are part of a worrying pattern of growing threats
The president of the (EU) executive branch said this Tuesday (7) that the recent invasions of Russian drones into European airspace are a “deliberate and targeted campaign in the gray zone against Europe” and that the bloc must respond. “We must not hesitate to assign responsibilities. Because every square inch of our territory must be protected and safe,” she said, in a speech to Parliament.
According to Von der Leyen, the recent invasions are part of a worrying pattern of growing threats, which include cut submarine cables, cyber attacks and elections targeted by influence campaigns. “These incidents are calculated to remain in the shadow of denial. This is not random harassment. It is a coherent and escalating campaign to destabilize our citizens, test our resolve, divide our Union and weaken our support for Ukraine,” he added.
The Commission president also called on the EU to respond with unity to Moscow’s direct and indirect attacks and reported that the bloc will form “Collective Capability Coalitions” among member states to identify critical capabilities – such as air defense and cyber warfare. Von der Leyen also reiterated that “none of this is possible without a strong European defense industry”.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
Published by Nátaly Tenório
