Press release - Parliament condemns Russia’s drone incursions in the EU

Parliament condemns Russia’s drone incursions in the EU - Russia bears full responsibility for escalatory attacks - Solidarity with Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania - Coordination and pooling of resources necessary for an effective EU response The EU will not be intimidated by Russia's campaign of destabilisation and is determined to defend its security, MEPs say in a resolution adopted on Thursday. Drone incursions and airspace violations of EU territory are not isolated incidents but an integral part of Russia's broader strategy of intimidation of the EU and its allies, according to MEPs. These hostile acts are compounded by an aggressive disinformation campaign seeking to intimidate people living in these areas, spread fear, damage the local economy and create a pretext for possible retaliatory actions. Deliberate threat to the security of the EU Russia bears full and unequivocal responsibility for these reckless escalatory attacks which endanger lives, and MEPs add that Russia’s actions constitute a deliberate and systematic threat to the security, resilience, and sovereignty of the EU and its member states. They stress Belarus’s complicity condemning the country for its hybrid attacks against the EU. Parliament says the EU will not be intimidated by Russia's campaign and stands united in its determination to defend the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states and to continue supporting Ukraine. MEPs express their total solidarity with Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania, the territories, airspace or critical infrastructure of which have been targeted by Russian hybrid provocations. Support for Ukraine and Moldova There is an urgency to the need to accelerate the production and delivery of priority military equipment to Ukraine, in particular air defence systems, ammunition, drones and missiles. MEPs . also emphasise that in addressing Russian drone threats, cooperation with the Republic of Moldova, alongside Ukraine, is essential in terms of operational efficiency, situational awareness, and information exchange. Member states must therefore increase funding for Moldova through the European Peace Facility . Strengthening the EU’s and NATO’s Eastern flank The resolution calls for the urgent creation of a genuine European Defence Union and underlines that deeper integration, coordination and pooling of resources are indispensable to an effective EU response to Russia's escalating threats. The EU’s and NATO’s Eastern flank must be strengthened along its entire length from the Arctic to the Black Sea including land, maritime and air to combat drones and meteorological balloons, MEPs say. They stress that Russia's deliberate incursions are intended not only to provoke and destabilise member states, but also to test and exploit weaknesses in NATO's detection and response capabilities. The resolution was adopted with 412 votes in favour, 63 against and 53 abstentions. Contacts: - Snježana KOBEŠĆAK SMODIŠ Press Officer (HR)