EU Defence Ministers Consider NATO-Style Response to Hybrid Attacks

European Union defence ministers have discussed the possibility of creating a NATO-style emergency mechanism to strengthen the bloc’s coordination in responding to “hybrid attacks.”

European governments have accused Russia of intensifying sabotage and interference targeting countries supporting Ukraine, as the war in Ukraine continues more than four years after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

The proposal follows several incidents, including the discovery of an armed drone at a German airport. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an “emergency security protocol” to address the growing threat.

According to von der Leyen, the proposed mechanism would be similar to Article 4 of the NATO treaty, allowing any EU member state to call for urgent consultations during a crisis and help coordinate a response to incidents that fall below the threshold of open aggression.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday’s meeting would focus on developing a broader strategy to counter hybrid attacks and examining the tools available to member states.

EU ministers generally supported strengthening the bloc’s response, with officials stressing the need to prepare for possible threats before they escalate.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said EU countries needed to move beyond simply responding to incidents and instead develop coordinated measures to prevent escalation.

A senior EU official said the bloc already has several tools available, including deploying expert teams to advise countries on improving security and providing additional funding.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen also called for stronger coordination between EU member states, the European Union and NATO to counter hybrid threats.

EU officials are expected to present more detailed proposals in a new security strategy document scheduled for release next month.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share