EU proposes using drone wall to monitor Russian tankers
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The so-called drone wall, which is planned to be deployed along the EU's eastern borders, will be used, among other things, to monitor Russia's shadow fleet, according to a statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced at a European Parliament plenary session on Wednesday that the drone wall project is intended, among other things, to monitor Russian tankers.
"I am talking about a new Pan-European flagship, the Eastern Flank Watch and drone wall. Drone wall is our response to the realities of modern warfare… From responding to natural disasters to combating international organized crime. From monitoring weaponised migration to controlling the Russian shadow fleet," von der Leyen said.
Drone wall in the EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently proposed creating a drone wall on the EU’s eastern flank to protect against Russian drones. The idea emerged after repeated violations of EU airspace by drones.
The European Commission is proposing to create a "shield" consisting of radars and interceptor missiles.
Recently, seven EU countries, Ukraine, and the European Commission held talks on establishing the drone wall.
However, not everyone in Europe is ready to support the drone wall project. There are disagreements regarding funding, feasibility, and even the project’s name.
In particular, countries located farther from Russia are somewhat reluctant to back a project that will cost over €1 billion.
Disagreements over the creation of the drone wall
For example, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that "there is no perfect wall for Europe," given that the border stretches for about 3,000 kilometers.
Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius said that the term "wall" could be misleading.
Some countries fear that the project could become a tool for centralizing defense decisions in Brussels.
Italy and Greece have called for European funds to benefit the entire bloc, not just its eastern flank.
Russian tankers – a threat to Europe
Although sanctions have not stopped Russia’s oil trade, the Kremlin’s illegal tankers also pose a threat to Europe’s security.
This concerns the dumping of large quantities of oil near EU coastlines, which could lead to an environmental disaster.
