EU defence ministers mull NATO-style mechanism against hybrid attacks

Brussels-based EU defence ministers deliberated on Monday whether the European Union should develop its own Nato-style emergency protocol to strengthen coordination against hybrid attacks by Russia. Rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, following the Kremlin's four-year-long invasion, have prompted these discussions. High-profile incidents, such as an armed drone spotted at a German airport, have fueled concern over the growing threat.

Ukrainian-born European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen proposed the creation of a new emergency security protocol, similar to Nato's Article Four, to allow any EU nation to convene urgent talks when facing a crisis. This protocol would help achieve consensus on how to address incidents in the "grey zone" below open aggression.

EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, highlighted the need to explore the broader strategy against hybrid attacks during the meeting. Irish foreign minister Helen McEntee emphasized that EU ministers are open to adopting new tools to pre-empt possible escalations and work together to formulate a robust response to potential threats.

EU officials confirmed that they can already offer assistance to member states in responding to hybrid incidents, including dispatching expert teams to provide security advice and increasing funding. However, they reiterated that stronger coordination and more comprehensive measures are required from both the EU and Nato to effectively counter these hybrid actions. A new security strategy document, outlining more detailed proposals, is expected to be released in the coming month.