Brussels: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that NATO continues to be the 'cornerstone' of collective defense for allies and leads operational military activities. She highlighted that EU efforts are increasingly focused on enhancing overall defense readiness and resilience, particularly along the eastern flank.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas addressed the European Parliament plenary session regarding Russia's alleged 'unacceptable provocative actions and drone incursions' into Romania, the Baltic states, and Finland. She warned that Europe is facing an unprecedented wave of hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, sabotage, and recent drone incidents.

Kallas referenced recent drone incursions into EU airspace, including an incident in Romania where a drone carrying explosives reportedly crashed into a residential area. She described these developments as 'reckless acts' indicating a growing security threat to EU citizens and regional stability.

Kallas argued that such actions seem designed to erode public support for Ukraine and challenge European resolve. She stressed the need to bolster Europe's capacity to respond to provocations. 'We must further strengthen our ability to respond to Russia's provocations reaching our territories. We also need to advance our counter-hybrid agenda,' she stated, emphasizing the enhancement of situational awareness, resilience of critical infrastructure, and rapid attribution of hostile acts.

She also advocated for improved cost-effective air defense solutions, stating, 'We must invest in cheap interceptors to protect our citizens. Shooting a pound 1 million ($1.16 million) interceptor missile at a drone that costs pound 3,000 ($3,480) is not sustainable.'

Kallas highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as drone capability cooperation led by Latvia, Croatia, and the Netherlands, noting that cooperation with Ukraine is providing valuable operational experience. She welcomed progress on EU counter-drone action plans and increased defense spending across member states but stressed that 'much more is needed.'

As NATO prepares for its upcoming summit in Ankara, Turkey, Kallas emphasized that EU-NATO cooperation is vital to closing capability gaps and reinforcing deterrence. 'NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defense of its allies and leads the operational military activities. The EU's initiatives enhance overall defense readiness and resilience, in particular on the eastern flank,' she stated.

Kallas concluded that the EU and NATO must collaborate closely in responding to incidents, strengthening deterrence, and countering hostile narratives through strategic communication.