Today, I chaired a high-level videoconference to accelerate the implementation of the "Eastern Flank Watch", our flagship defence initiative to shield the entire European Union from escalating security threats.
Defence Ministers from the EU frontline countries Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, attended the meeting, alongside two other EU member states from the Eastern flank, Hungary and Slovakia.
We were also joined by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and the Danish Council Presidency.
In a separate session, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, shared invaluable, battle-tested expertise, with NATO present as an observer.
The repeated violations of our airspace are unacceptable. The message is clear: Russia is testing the EU and NATO. And our response must be firm, united, and immediate.
At today's meeting, we agreed to move from concept to concrete actions.
We agreed on the most important point: The Eastern Flank Watch, with the 'Drone Wall' as its core, will serve all of Europe.
Together with our frontline partners, and the invaluable experience of Ukraine, we reached a shared understanding of its design:
- An immediate priority 'Drone Wall', with advanced detection, tracking, and interception capabilities.
- Ground defences, such as anti-mobility systems.
- Maritime security for the Baltic and Black Seas.
- Space-based situational awareness.
The next steps are clear:
I will secure political traction ahead of the October European Council.
We will define a detailed technical roadmap with national experts.
We will mobilise Europe's defence industry,
And we will build a comprehensive EU financial toolbox to make this shield a reality.
Today's meeting was a milestone – now we focus on delivery.
