Brussels: In a significant move, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted a resolution demanding a unified European Union (EU) response to recent Russian violations and hybrid warfare threats. The resolution condemns Russia’s actions, which include violations of EU airspace and interference with critical infrastructure.
According to Cyprus News Agency, MEPs strongly denounced Russia’s ‘reckless and escalatory actions,’ specifically highlighting airspace violations involving EU and NATO member states such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania. The resolution also criticized deliberate drone incursions in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, attributing complete responsibility to Russia for these incursions and provocations.
The resolution encourages coordinated and proportionate actions, including the potential shooting down of airborne threats, to counter these provocations. MEPs have expressed support for initiatives like the EU drone wall and the Eastern Flank Watch, while emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive coverage for all member states, especially those facing security challenges along the EU’s southern flank.
The European Parliament has labeled Russia’s sabotage and hybrid activities as state-sponsored terrorism, urging the EU to demonstrate determination and impose sanctions. These sanctions aim to undermine Russia’s capacity to continue its aggressive actions in Ukraine and extend to nations supporting Russia, such as Belarus, Iran, and North Korea. MEPs also advocate for sanctions against Chinese entities supplying dual-use goods critical for drone and missile production.
Moreover, the resolution underscores the importance of a strong European pillar within NATO, calling for enhanced coordination among EU member states, institutions, and NATO structures. MEPs stress the urgent need for a genuine European Defence Union, advocating for improved civil-military airspace coordination and better equipping authorities to defend against drones at critical infrastructure sites.
In a nod to Ukraine, the resolution calls for increased defense cooperation, particularly in drone technology and countermeasures. It urges swift finalization of the European Defence Industrial Programme legislation, leveraging it alongside the Security Action for Europe instrument to support Ukraine and enhance unmanned aerial vehicle warfare capabilities.
The resolution was backed by a vote of 469 in favor, 97 against, and 38 abstentions, signaling strong support from the European Parliament for a unified and decisive response to Russian actions.