Greece, Poland propose creation of European Air Defence Shield

Brussels: Poland and Greece on Thursday called for the European Union (EU) to create an “air defence shield” to better protect the bloc particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

“Europe will be safe as long as the skies over it are safe,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote in a letter to EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen.

The proposal comes amid heightened concerns over European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both Poland and Romania, neighboring countries of Ukraine within the EU, have experienced the spillover effects of the conflict, with drones and missiles breaching their territories.

The envisioned European air defence shield aims to address this vulnerability while bolstering the EU’s overall defence capabilities. It also seeks to incentivize European defence companies to develop advanced technologies to enhance security measures.

The letter underscored the urgent need for collective action, highlighting the scarcity of air defences across the EU. Despite previous initiatives, such as Germany’s collaboration with NATO allies to strengthen air defences, challenges remain in achieving consensus among member states.

Germany’s efforts to bolster continental air defences through joint procurement with NATO allies faced hurdles, particularly from countries like France, which opposed plans to procure weaponry outside the EU.

Tusk and Mitsotakis expressed their readiness to discuss the proposal with other EU leaders at an upcoming summit scheduled for next month.