EU chief von der Leyen calls for a joint mechanism to counter drones, sabotage
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a new NATO-like mechanism to coordinate responses to hybrid threats, such as drone incursions and sabotage. This initiative aims to address security incidents that fall below the threshold of armed aggression but threaten national stability.
Why it matters
The proposal reflects growing European concern over Russian-linked hybrid warfare and the need for a unified security framework to deter escalation.
The European Union needs a NATO-like mechanism to better respond to drone incidents, acts of sabotage and cyberattacks across Europe, many of them blamed on Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday (September 16, 2026).
"Europe needs its own counter-hybrid playbook. We urgently need a consensus on how to respond to certain incidents,” Ms. von der Leyen said, particularly for acts that “fall below armed aggression but clearly threaten our national security.” Officials in Germany, Denmark, and Poland have in recent weeks accused Russia of involvement in drone incursions, sabotage, arson, surveillance of defence facilities and planning to use a drone carrying explosives to attack an airport.
Italian fighter jets working with NATO shot down a drone over EU member Lithuania earlier this week, the first time one has been downed in its airspace. It was believed to have entered from Russia's ally, Belarus.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in