SCM Staff Writer I Wednesday, October 01, 2025
COPENHAGEN — European Union leaders today moved decisively to accelerate the bloc’s collective defense strategy, committing to ambitious joint projects, including a “European Drone Wall,” in response to what they termed Russia’s “increasingly provocative and reckless behaviour.”
Meeting for an informal European Council summit in Copenhagen, heads of state or government focused almost entirely on safeguarding the security of the continent, with a clear mandate to build a cohesive “Europe of defense.”
In a press conference following the meeting, Council President António Costa stated that incursions into the airspaces of member states like Denmark, Poland, and Estonia were “protecting our common borders and territory, those of the European Union.” He added, “They have our full support, because we are committed to face together common threats, on all fronts, whether conventional, hybrid or cyber, with a common purpose.”
Flagship Projects and 2030 Goal
The meeting delivered tangible progress on key capabilities identified earlier this year, including air and missile defense, artillery, and military mobility.
Leaders gave broad support to initial flagship projects outlined in a scoping paper presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas.
Chief among these projects are the European Drone Wall—a clear signal of intent to counter the growing threat from unmanned aerial systems—and the Eastern Flank Watch.
The latter reflects the “acute threat our Eastern flank is currently under,” Mr. Costa said, while emphasizing the need for a “360-degree approach” to security across all of Europe’s borders.
The push marks a significant step toward achieving common defense readiness by 2030, a key strategic timeline for the bloc.
This effort is being backed financially by the newly established SAFE instrument, a €150 billion fund intended to support increased defense spending across European allies.
Ukraine Support to Intensify
Beyond its own defense, the European Council also reinforced its commitment to Ukraine, which Mr. Costa said has been clear “since the start of Russia’s war.”
Leaders discussed a new, forthcoming sanctions package targeting Russian oil revenues, banks, crypto assets, and the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions.
Furthermore, the E.U. appears poised to make a significant move on Ukrainian membership. Mr. Costa confirmed that the Commission has recognized Ukraine’s progress on accession-related reforms, stating, “Now it is the EU’s turn to deliver. Because enlargement is a merit-based process. And because enlargement will make Europe stronger.”
Discussions also centred on how to mobilize further funds for Kyiv.
The message to Moscow, Mr. Costa concluded, was “clear: Russia has to understand that Ukraine’s partners, including its European partners, have the will and the means to continue supporting it until a just and lasting peace is achieved.”
The decisions prepared today will be finalized at a formal European Council meeting in three weeks, following the Commission’s presentation of a full roadmap on 2030 defense readiness.
