Addressing lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said that recent violations of EU airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets - together with cyberattacks on airports and logistics hubs - were part of a coordinated campaign to destabilise Europe and weaken its unity, according to Poland’s state news agency PAP.
Europe needs stronger response to Russia's hybrid attacks
“This is not random harassment. This is hybrid warfare - and we must take it very seriously,” she said. She argued that the incidents were not isolated or accidental, but part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining Europe’s stability and resolve.
According to Reuters, von der Leyen added that confronting such threats “requires a new mindset” and measures “that go beyond traditional defence.”
The EU chief stopped short of directly blaming Moscow for every incident but said Russia’s goal was clearly “to sow division” across Europe.
Von der Leyen urges Europe to protect its skies
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), von der Leyen wrote: “Make no mistake. The recent incursions in our skies are part of a pattern of growing threats. It’s time to call it by its name. This is hybrid warfare. Europe must get the capacity to respond and protect our skies. Work has begun.”
The politician said the EU must urgently develop strategic deterrence and rapid-response capabilities to protect its infrastructure, borders and citizens from what she described as a sustained campaign of hybrid aggression.
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Source: IAR/PAP/Reuters/X/@vonderleyen