Eu parliament warns of escalating Russian hybrid attacks on Europe

Members of the European Parliament have issued stark warnings about intensifying hybrid attacks from Russia and Belarus, describing a coordinated campaign that includes airspace violations, drone incursions, and sabotage of critical infrastructure. The debate highlighted growing concerns about European security amid what lawmakers characterized as an escalating threat to EU stability.

Pattern of Coordinated Aggression

The parliamentary session followed Lithuania's decision in October to close border crossings with Belarus after detecting smuggling balloons entering its airspace. Legislators connected these incidents with suspected Russian drone activities and recent acts of sabotage, including a railway explosion in Poland that Prime Minister Donald Tusk described as unprecedented. Multiple MEPs emphasized that these events form part of a systematic effort to intimidate European societies and undermine support for Ukraine.

Calls for Immediate Defensive Measures

Spanish MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido Alvarez reported that Russian drones now appear "day by day" and urged rapid deployment of "urgent anti-drone systems in Europe, technologically functional and affordable." European Parliament Vice President Nicolae Stefanuta echoed these concerns, noting increasing anxiety in border communities and insisting "We need defense capabilities. We need anti drone capacities and a European approach to respond to this bullying from Russia." Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans pushed for accelerated implementation of an EU "drone wall" with cross-border detection and jamming capabilities by next year.

Unity and Proportional Response

Finnish lawmaker Maria Guzenina emphasized that "This is not the time for half measures," calling instead for "unity, adequate financing and action." She urged comprehensive protection for European infrastructure, stating "We must shield our cables, guard our ports, secure our skies. We must protect our people." European Commission Vice President Roxana Minzatu concluded the debate by acknowledging Europe faces "a sustained gray zone campaign" but assured that "Europe will not be intimidated." She stressed the EU would defend every part of the union with unity, capability, and determination, emphasizing that responses must match the intensity and severity of the attacks themselves.