What happened
The European Union is considering a joint response to hybrid attacks, similar to NATO's collective defense approach. EU defense ministers met in Brussels to discuss creating an emergency security protocol that can be triggered by any member state in the event of a hybrid attack. Hybrid warfare includes sabotage, drone incursions, and other non-overt tactics.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that ministers will discuss a broader strategy for dealing with hybrid incidents and propose an emergency security protocol. The EU believes that Russia is coordinating hybrid attacks against member states to undermine European unity and weaken support for Ukraine.
Andrius Kubilius, the EU's defense commissioner, emphasized the need for a hybrid defense approach, stating that responses to hybrid attacks should be proportionate. The proposal for an emergency security protocol was initially made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who suggested the creation of a European Security Council.
The EU's consideration of a joint response to hybrid attacks comes amid an increase in drone incursions into Europe, including an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. Danish intelligence and other European officials have warned that Russia is likely to escalate its hybrid warfare against NATO countries.
