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EU Needs Broad Response to Hybrid Warfare Threats, Von Der Leyen Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on October 8, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
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EU faces hybrid warfare, requiring a broad response beyond traditional defense, says von der Leyen, highlighting recent airspace violations.
EU needs broad response to hybrid warfare threats, von der Leyen
STRASBOURG (Reuters) -Recent drone incidents and other airspace violations show Europe is facing hybrid warfare to which it must respond with measures that go beyond traditional defence, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
"This is not random harassment," von der Leyen said in a speech in European Parliament in Strasbourg.
"It is a coherent and escalating campaign to unsettle our citizens, test our resolve, divide our Union, and weaken our support for Ukraine. And it is time to call it by its name. This is hybrid warfare."
Von der Leyen did not say Russia was responsible for all the incidents but said it was clear Russia's aim is to "sow division" in Europe.
European officials have already attributed some of the recent incidents to Moscow.
"Tackling Russia’s hybrid war is not only about traditional defence," von der Leyen said. "This requires a new mind-set for all of us. We can either shy away and watch Russian threats escalate, or we meet them with unity, deterrence and resolve."
(Reporting by Bart Meijer, Andrew Gray, Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout)
Key Takeaways
- •Europe faces hybrid warfare requiring a broad response.
- •Recent drone incidents highlight security threats.
- •Von der Leyen emphasizes unity against Russian threats.
- •Traditional defense is insufficient for current challenges.
- •EU aims to counter division and support Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU needs broad response to hybrid warfare threats, von der Leyen says
1What is the role of the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day operations of the EU.
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Financial stability is a condition where the financial system operates effectively, with institutions able to manage risks and withstand economic shocks, ensuring confidence in the economy.
3What is risk management?
Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events.
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Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, which aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information.
