Ursula von der Leyen wants to accelerate the anti-Russian drone wall, and that is why she will propose "immediate actions" for its development and implementation. The President of the Commission wants to address this issue at the informal meeting of EU presidents that will take place tomorrow in Copenhagen, thus responding to the increasing pressure from northern countries. Those closest to the border with Russia who are experiencing a wave of provocations and violations of their airspace.
"Europe must provide a strong and united response to Russia's drone incursions into our borders," Von der Leyen stated at a press conference this morning, where Mark Rutte was also present. "The drone wall was an excellent idea, and there was a first meeting last Friday, with NATO participation," noted the Secretary-General of the Alliance, who welcomed the measure.
"In recent weeks, we have seen what happened with drones in Poland, the MiG-31 in Estonia, and what is happening now in Denmark. In Denmark, we are still evaluating what is behind it, but in the case of Poland and Estonia, it is clear. We are still assessing whether it is intentional or not. But even if it is not, it is reckless and unacceptable. So we need to protect our skies. That is why the drone wall initiative is timely and necessary because ultimately we cannot spend millions of euros or dollars on missiles to shoot down drones that only cost a few thousand dollars," Rutte said.
This is very relevant, as indeed EU and NATO countries have to deploy their aircraft and missiles, with the huge expense that entails, to shoot down a sort of low-cost drones. It is very expensive and not very effective.
Von der Leyen also announced that at this Tuesday's College of Commissioners meeting, in which Rutte will also participate, the proposal to offer loans to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets will be discussed. "The loan would not be disbursed all at once, but in installments and with attached conditions. And we will strengthen our own defense industry ensuring that part of the loan is used for acquisitions in Europe and with Europe," explained the President of the Commission.
"Important," she emphasized: "This is not about seizing assets. Ukraine must repay the loan if Russia pays for damages. If Russia pays for damages, the perpetrator must be held accountable." This is important as there are several countries that are against seizing assets as it could go against the EU's legal security.
"Satisfaction" for Trump's "commitment"
Before her intervention, Von der Leyen "celebrated" on her X social media profile the "commitment" of Donald Trump to "end the war in Gaza". "Hostilities must end with the immediate provision of humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages. The two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples living together in peace and security, free from violence and terrorism," she added after the agreement reached last night by the President of the United States and Benjamin Netanyahu.