Bulgaria and six other EU countries will discuss the proposal to build a European wall against drones
BRUSSELS – Government representatives from Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania will discuss with the European Commission the proposal to build a European “wall against drones,” a spokesperson for the institution confirmed at a press conference in response to questions. He clarified that the conversation will be political, will take place online on Friday, and representatives from Ukraine will also join the participants.
The meeting is related to the visit of the President of the EC Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius to the countries on the eastern borders of the EU less than a month ago, the spokesperson explained. According to him, the need to build a European system against drones has become even more pronounced following incidents of airspace violations by Russia in Poland and Romania.
The EC will listen to the countries regarding their interest in this opportunity and will assess how it could assist. After that, the next steps will be considered, the spokesperson added. He noted that at the meeting on Friday, the EC will be represented by Commissioner Kubilius and did not rule out the participation of ministers in the discussions.
Bulgaria actively contributes to the defense and security of both Ukraine and Europe, for which I thank you, said Ursula von der Leyen, who was in Bulgaria earlier this month as part of a tour in the countries on the eastern border of the EU. Bulgaria’s contribution is a reason for not only national but also European pride, she noted. With the strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capability, we must take greater responsibility for our own defense. To improve our readiness and our defense position, we need to actively move at the level of the European Council, at the European level, primarily for financial support, Ursula von der Leyen added at that time.
In October, we will discuss in the European Council what the gaps in our defense capability are, how to fill them, and what goals we need to achieve by 2030 to address the gaps and shortcomings in our defense position, the President of the EC further stated. (September 22)
