Every Russian drone incursion must trigger a united European response

The EPP Group wants Europe to stop tolerating Russian provocations and respond with strength. As Russia steps up airspace violations, drone threats, sabotage, disinformation and GPS jamming, Europe must defend its borders, protect its skies, boost counter-drone capabilities and work more closely with Ukraine.

"Russian intrusions into EU airspace are totally unacceptable, and we must make Russia understand that. When a hostile aggressor targets one member state, it targets the whole EU. It will therefore face a united response," says Pekka Toveri MEP, who was the EPP negotiator on Parliament’s resolution on Russia’s provocative actions and drone incursions into Romania, the Baltic states and Finland, which will be debated later today.

"Russian provocations are a means of testing the EU’s resolve and response. We must show determination and strong military capabilities. Every Member State has the right to shoot down Russian aircraft that violate its airspace. That is a proportionate and legitimate response to Russian incursions and provocations."

"We must now urgently improve our counter-drone capabilities and this must be done in close cooperation with Ukraine," said Toveri. He also recalled that the EU faces several other forms of Russian aggressive behaviour, including sabotage, disinformation and GPS jamming. "All of this shows that Russia is treating the EU as an enemy."

"There is every reason to lock Europe's doors against Russian intrusions into our airspace, onto our soil and into our waters," Toveri concludes.