This involves a network of sensors and weapons for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing intruding unmanned aerial vehicles.
The issue has gained urgency following recent incidents in which drones violated the airspace over Poland and Estonia and disrupted airports in Denmark. Although Russia denies responsibility, many heads of state and government hold Moscow responsible for the incidents.
The EU Commission has not yet drawn up a detailed plan, leaving questions about costs and practical implementation unanswered. However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the idea on Tuesday as “timely and necessary.”
The summit also offers the first opportunity to discuss the use of frozen Russian assets worth €140 billion as a loan for Ukraine. If Russia were to pay war reparations in the future, Kiev could repay the loan.
However, some member states are warning of legal risks and a possible outflow of foreign exchange reserves from the eurozone. Belgium also pointed to reputational risks.
In addition, as part of the tougher sanctions against Moscow, the EU is preparing a 19th sanctions package that would end imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by 2027.
(reuters, max)