The idea of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to build the so-called “drone wall“ against the growing Russian threat is causing serious disagreements among member states even before the project has begun, writes “Politico“, reports News.bg.
Von der Leyen presented the concept of a network of radars and interception systems in her State of the Union speech in September, citing incidents with Russian drones over Poland, Romania and northern Europe.
For the Baltic states and Poland, the proposal seems like an adequate response to the growing threat. But countries further from Russia express reservations about its feasibility and cost, as well as whether this is an attempt to limit national control over defense policy in favor of Brussels.
“Drones and anti-drones are a priority“, said French President Emmanuel Macron. “But we have to be realistic - Europe cannot build a perfect wall along a 3,000-kilometer border.“
Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius defended the idea, saying that the initial plan to protect Poland and the Baltic states would cost about 1 billion euros and could be implemented in less than a year. However, he clarified that the term “wall“ could create a misleading impression: “This will not be a new Maginot Line.“
Scepticism is also expressed by MEPs. “A wall of drones will not protect us from cyberattacks, nor will it solve the problems with "The dispute is deepening as Brussels and eastern European countries seek EU funding, which requires unanimous agreement. Southern countries insist that European defence projects benefit the whole bloc, not just its eastern flank." "We have shown solidarity in the COVID, migration and economic crises. Now is the time to show it in security," Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said. "Despite the disagreements, EU leaders have accepted the Commission's proposal, meaning the project will go ahead in some form. Details on timing, costs and technical parameters have not yet been specified." "I don't care about the name, as long as it works," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, using the phrase “European network of counter-drone measures“.
Although no one expects such a system to completely eliminate the risk, Eastern European leaders are pushing for action. “There are no 100 percent guarantees of security. But Europe and NATO must seek methods that maximize our protection,“ Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.