A “drone war” – this is how some analysts refer to the fighting in Ukraine. However, drones are no longer limited to Ukrainian territory. In recent weeks, cases of drone intrusions – reportedly from Russia – have increased within the European Union’s boundaries, causing concern and theories about their source and what this could signify for the conflict near the union’s borders.
Euronews explored these events to understand their implications for Europe and its safety.
Several incidents across Europe
The month of September saw a number of unauthorized entries and breaches of European airspace by unknown aerial vehicles.
On September 9, 19 Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish territory, with four of them being shot down. Four days later, similar aircraft were seen in Romania, and last week, drone sightings caused flight disruptions at Copenhagen and Oslo airports.
It is thought that the drones involved were small-range models, as stated by Robert Garbett, the founder and CEO of Drone Major Group: “The drones likely used in this attack were Hybrid VTOL systems, mainly because of the extent of the incursion. Rotorcraft typically have a maximum operational time of about an hour unless they are fueled by hydrogen or gasoline” — implying that the drones were controlled from close to the area where the incident occurred.
Even if no attacks took place, Garbett pointed out that these drone intrusions always pose a threat: “They might be equipped with explosive materials intended for release or detonation through suicide missions. Such incursions could interfere with and harm our economies, collect information about our Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and create fear and division among Western societies.”
During the night of September 21 to 22 in France, drones were seen flying above a military installation. At this time, it is still unknown if the individuals operating them were hostile entities or casual observers.
A beginning difficult to verify
This uncertainty is exactly what makes these events so complicated.
Christophe Gomart, a French Member of the European Parliament and former head of national military intelligence, offered three potential reasons: “Interference that leads drones to become uncontrollable, intentional provocations aimed at gauging responses, or efforts to evaluate the defensive capabilities of Poland, Romania, and consequently the EU and NATO.”
According to Michel Liégeois, a professor of international relations at the University of Louvain, casting uncertainty about the source resembles a Russian tactic.
“Hybrid warfare seeks to undermine European nations and interfere with critical infrastructures, including public transportation. Disrupting air travel leads to financial losses and increases public dissatisfaction,” he stated.
But he warned against making quick judgments: not all events can be automatically connected to Moscow, although the number of occurrences implies intentional disruption.
Although drones spotted in Poland and Estonia were verified as Russian, those seen in Denmark and Norway are still being looked into.
“Breaches of Polish airspace and the disturbances at Danish airports were intentional and well-organized efforts,” said Estonian Member of the European Parliament Riho Terras, vice-chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defense, in a more straightforward manner.
But he admitted that conclusive evidence is hard to come by – a common occurrence in the Baltic area, where alleged Russian sabotage has frequently remained unverified.
General Gomart pointed out that Denmark’s robust backing of Ukraine could position it as a potential target, while also cautioning that individual actions driven by curiosity or a desire for attention cannot be ruled out: “Some so-called ‘useful idiots’ might deploy their own drones, which only increases valid concerns.”
For Liégeois, the very ambiguity is a key element of the plan: “The unclear reasons and unknown actors increase public worry.”
Russia has refuted any connection – however, many specialists think it stands to gain significantly.
Messages related to politics instead of military goals?
Italian Member of the European Parliament, Salvatore De Meo, stated that President Putin is “assessing the responses from EU nations and the West as a whole. I don’t think there are particular military goals, but rather political statements. I don’t think Putin wants to provoke a third world war.”
Even after multiple provocations, Europeans have stayed fairly united, Liégeois observed, as Russia has been taken aback by the EU’s unity and quick response since the conflict in Ukraine began.
Duquesne shared this perspective: “Drone intrusions in Europe indicate that civilian societies are now targets in their own right. The issue is not solely about eliminating a technological threat, but also about maintaining public trust and feeling of safety.”
Is the European Union ready for drone intrusions?
Estonian Member of the European Parliament Riho Terras is worried about the EU’s readiness. “Europe’s defenses against drones during peacetime are disturbingly weak,” he stated, noting: “Nations on the eastern border were unprepared to deal with low-cost provocations using suitable means. We can’t afford to use expensive missiles or jets to counter inexpensive drones.”
Certain nations, like France, have shown their capability to defend against drones—particularly with the anti-drone system used during the summer of 2024 for the Olympic events. However, these kinds of precautions are not common.
There are differences among member states: some possess sophisticated counter-drone technologies, while others have only basic monitoring capabilities. Perceptions of threats also differ within the group, with eastern nations considering Russia as the primary risk, whereas southern countries concentrate on challenges like unauthorized immigration.
General and lawmaker Gomart emphasized that Europe needs to “build up its strength before displaying it. Currently, Europe is not in good shape.” He highlighted the importance of investing in new technologies like laser weapons that can disable drones without endangering civilians.
The EU’s ‘drone wall’
Last week, the European Commission proposed the concept of a “drone wall” – a monitoring and reaction network along the EU’s eastern border. This system would, according to reports,detect and destroysuspicious unmanned aerial vehicles entering the European Union.
This effort united ten member nations: Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Finland – along with the involvement of Ukraine, which has the most developed status.drones’ capabilities.
MEP Riho Terras likened the idea toIsrael’s Iron Dome,which has demonstrated effectiveness against Iranian aerial assaults. However, he urged other members to participate in the effort and take on responsibility, recognizing the variations in security concerns.
The initiative was indeed met with concerns by lawmakers from Western nations – Italian De Meo told Euronews. “This remains an ongoing policy approach and not yet a fully implemented operational system,” he mentioned. Meanwhile, French General Gomart cautioned against placing too much reliance on the ‘wall’ analogy: “A wall can always be circumvented. It never endures forever,” he stated. Liégeois also pointed out that protective measures should also address threats originating within EU territory, not just at its borders.
Unity as the strongest form of protection Solidarity as the primary means of defense Collective strength as the main line of defense Togetherness as the key to protection Unification as the ultimate shield Group cohesion as the main defense The power of unity as the final defense United front as the best defense Collective effort as the ultimate safeguard Unity as the most effective defense
Looking forward, Farah Duquesne Weber of the Brussels-based organization Sierra Tango emphasized that the challenge is both social and military: “Each incursion is a test of Europe’s unity. These actions aim to split public opinion and increase fear. Solidarity is the strongest defense.”
A perspective shared by European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier. “Constructing a wall with gaps won’t be effective. We require a single defense that spans from north to south,” he mentioned during a press conference.
Leaders of state and government are anticipated to address the execution of the “drone wall” during Wednesday’s informal gathering in Copenhagen. The fact that they will be safeguarded by a drone restriction enacted in Denmark for the duration of their meeting, along with the use of various security protocols by the armed forces of several participating member states, highlights the seriousness and importance of the conversation.
