EU leaders plan 'anti-drone wall' and fast-track Ukraine/Moldova integration amid Russia threat
The European Union is strengthening its strategic front against Russian aggression and accelerating the integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the security architecture.
The 27 European leaders, meeting in Copenhagen, are identifying solutions for a coordinated response to regional security challenges, including the construction of an "anti-drone wall" to protect the continent. The observations were made by Romanian political analyst Cătălin Gabriel Done and Dan Alexe, the Teleradio-Moldova correspondent in Brussels.
Romanian political analyst Cătălin Gabriel Done noted the EU's determination to unify leaders' positions in the face of Russian aggression, which could speed up decisions regarding sanctions and military assistance. He cited a cooperation mechanism with Ukraine as a possible solution.
"Antonio Costa proposed a mechanism to allow the advancement of Ukraine's EU candidacy, based on utilizing existing instruments for deep cooperation. However, from the perspective of European law, an accession process cannot be fully effected without the unanimity and ratification of all member states, as stipulated in EU treaties," he explained.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned at the start of the EPC Summit that Europe is in "the most difficult and dangerous situation since World War II."
Analyzing the security aspects, the political analyst anticipates that allocations will also be made for candidate states such as Moldova.
"The Summit will once again emphasise the strengthening of European defence, in the context of recent violations of the airspace of some EU and Nato member states by the Russian Federation, and the security threats to Moldova. These challenges will also be highlighted in the coming days, as European leaders will stress the need for the European Union to be capable of responding effectively, autonomously, and in a coordinated manner to threats," Done revealed.
Another key point raised by the analyst is the development of the EU defence industrial base and joint arms procurement, and the inclusion of Ukraine and Moldova as beneficiaries. This would transform the neighbouring states into strategic partners.
"What will be proposed and discussed is increasing the European Union's defence capacity until 2030, and strengthening capabilities and funding in the defence sector. And we see that there are more and more voices proposing that Ukraine and Moldova be secondary beneficiaries of the SAVE funds (for the military, research, military development, for new technologies)," the analyst explained.
"The EU, as a whole, is strengthening its own defence capabilities, practically preparing to face direct challenges to the security of the member states. One such challenge is potential US passivity regarding security commitments to allies," Cătălin Gabriel Done added.
During the same programme, Teleradio-Moldova correspondent in Brussels, Dan Alexe, described the Danish meeting as a common front against Vladimir Putin. He criticised the US leader's approach to Tomahawk missiles.
"Trump is not offering those missiles on a platter but expects Europeans to pay for them. They are very expensive, millions of dollars. The Europeans have committed to paying. They are gathered in Denmark, the country that currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, and, obviously, this is the main topic of discussion. But we cannot believe that Tomahawk missiles will be launched next week. It's just a strategy of rhetoric, and everyone knows, especially European diplomats, that Trump is unpredictable. So, the discussions among the 27 European leaders are a common strategy against Putin," Alexe stated.
Beyond informal diplomacy, the journalist detailed that a "personal grudge" is visible "between Putin and Trump," and Donald Trump will not make an impact unless he undertakes "a concrete measure, such as imposing terrible sanctions on Russia." Alexe cited the intention of the European leaders meeting in Copenhagen, who are discussing the possibility of confiscating Russian assets in Europe, which exceed almost €250 billion, money they would like to use for Ukraine.
"Certainly there are legal obstacles, but it is a concrete step, and it's not happening behind the scenes," concluded columnist Dan Alexe.
Between 1 and 2 October, the leaders of the 27 European Union member states gathered in Copenhagen for an informal summit focused on regional security and defence challenges. On the eve of the meeting, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Europe is going through "the most dangerous period since World War II," worse than the Cold War, underlining the need for a strong response to the hybrid warfare waged by Russia. During a press conference, the concept of the so-called "anti-drone wall" was central to the discussions.
President Maia Sandu will also deliver a speech at the summit and will hold bilateral meetings with European leaders, in the context of Moldova's EU accession efforts.
The European Political Community (EPC), launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, promotes dialogue and cooperation among European states.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
