EU unveils four key projects for defense against Russia
Photo: Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief (Getty Images)
The European Commission has presented flagship defense projects aimed at countering potential threats from Russia, Reuters informs.
Such projects are included in the European Union’s defense policy "roadmap." They reflect the bloc’s concerns regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine and the threat of a Russian attack on the EU.
"Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defences against Russia," emphasized EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
According to the European Commission, among the four projects, two are of the highest priority. These are the European Counter-Drone Initiative (drone wall) and the Eastern Flank Watch, which aims to reinforce the EU’s eastern borders on land, in the air, and at sea.
The Commission clarified that both projects are expected to reach initial operational readiness by the end of next year. The counter-drone defense system is planned to be fully operational by 2027, while the Eastern Flank Watch program should be completed by the end of 2028.
The EU’s plan also foresees the creation of a European Air Shield — to protect against missiles and other aerial threats — and a European Space Shield — to safeguard European space assets and services.
EU leaders are expected to decide on backing these initiatives and determine which countries will coordinate the projects.
Russia – the main threat to the EU
As Bloomberg reported, the EU’s new defense document identifies Russia as the primary threat to European security in the near future.
Against this backdrop, the bloc has initiated a major defense reform. One of its goals is to prepare Europe for potential combat operations by 2030.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently distanced himself from plans to attack NATO, claiming that such a notion is "unbelievable."
