The European Union has agreed on a three-pronged approach to protect the eastern flank — through land, drone and sea “walls” — and identified the first steps: to improve the detection, tracking and interception of drones. European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andryus Kubilius announced this at a press conference.
He outlined the “Eastern Flank” project, which has three key elements:
- “ground wall” — measures against mobility at the borders;
- “wall of drones” — means for airspace protection;
- “sea wall” — mechanisms for deterring possible maritime provocations, in particular for Romania and Bulgaria.
Kubilyus noted that the meeting was attended by defense ministers of countries close to Ukraine and Russia (Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania), as well as Hungary and Slovakia, a high representative of the EU, representatives of the Danish Presidency of the Council and the Minister of Defense of Denmark. NATO observers joined the discussion. He especially noted the speech of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmygal, calling it “invaluable experience, proven in battles.
“We are facing clear challenges – Russia is testing the EU and NATO, and our response must be decisive, united and immediate”, Kubilyus said.
According to him, at today’s meeting it was decided to move from discussions to specific actions and agreed on the main points of the project.
The main priority within the “wall against drones” Kubilyus mentioned the strengthening of the capabilities to detect, track and intercept drones, because, according to him, such capabilities are “really lacking in some places”. He emphasized that the implementation of the project will take place in close cooperation with partners on the front line and on the basis of Ukrainian combat experience.
Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal reported, that Kyiv is ready to join the “Drone Wall” initiative:
“Ukraine is a recognized leader in the field of unmanned technologies. We are ready to share our experience of shooting down Russian drones with the EU, NATO and neighboring countries.
In the end, Kubilius called for coordinated and quick actions — from the deployment of technical solutions to the exchange of information between the countries of the region and with NATO, so that the “wall of drones” became an effective part of the defense of the Eastern flank.
Kubilyus also emphasized that the “Eastern flank” should be developed as a regional and mutually compatible project with the participation of Ukraine, since its experience is of great importance. In October, the issue will be brought to the meeting of the European Council as part of the “road plan for defense readiness”.
They also plan to develop a detailed conceptual and technical plan with the participation of national experts and with the support of the European defense industry. To implement the initiative, the EU must define an industrial policy and financial instruments that will make this “shield” reality.
