EU defense ministers are calling for the development of a joint response to the increasing hybrid attacks from Russia. At the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, discussions will focus on an "emergency security protocol" as part of a broader strategy to counter such attacks.
Proposal for Security Protocol
Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, told reporters that this protocol was proposed by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in her State of the Union address earlier this month. She described the protocol as a version of NATO Article 4, which allows a member country to consult with its allies if it feels a security threat.
Read more: EU Defense Ministers Discuss Emergency Security Protocol
Increase in Russia's Hybrid Activities
Kallas also added that Monday's discussion will examine how EU institutions can work with member states to identify the tools available to the Union in response to hybrid attacks. While the details of this protocol are still unclear, it may include drone attacks, sabotage, and cyberattacks.
Last summer, hybrid activities related to Russia significantly increased. Drone flights, crashes, and explosions have occurred in parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in countries bordering Ukraine. There are also speculations about the potential expansion of this campaign to Western Europe. Tensions between Germany and Russia also reached a peak this month as Berlin accused Russia of carrying out a drone attack at Leipzig airport.
Antti Häkkänen, Finland's Minister of Defense, told reporters that Russia has not achieved success on the battlefield, which is why it has increased its pressure and hybrid actions against countries supporting Ukraine. He added that the response to this issue should be calm but firm.
Häkkänen also stated that the emergency protocol responses could include further sanctions and visa restrictions for Russian tourists. However, he emphasized the need for close cooperation with NATO.
Officials also stressed that one of the key issues that will determine the EU's response is the need to quickly gather strong evidence to attribute hybrid attacks. In Estonia, officials are still investigating a suspicious arson attack in early August 2026 on a defense contractor named Milrem Robotics, which is being examined as a Russian sabotage act.
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