Europe must give strong and united response to Russian drone incursions, says von der Leyen – Europe live

<p>European Commission president gave a press conference with the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, ahead of an EU security college meeting</p><p><strong>EU commissioners are meeting today for a “security college” discussion on defence and security issues,</strong> where they will be joined by the secretary general of Nato, <strong>Mark Rutte.</strong></p><p>Their meeting comes <strong>amid growing concerns about drones appearing in European airspace,</strong> causing continuing disruption in parts of the Nordics. It <strong>remains unconfirmed who or what is behind them,</strong> but still prompted a strong reaction in the region. <strong>Denmark</strong>, which will host two major European summits this week, moved to immediately strengthen its air defences to safeguard the meetings.</p><p><em>“Still, we are assessing whether it is intentional or not. But even if it is not intentional, it is reckless and it is unacceptable.”</em></p><p><em>“The loan would not be disbursed in one go, but in tranches and with conditions attached. And <strong>we will strengthen our own defence industry by ensuring that part of the loan is used for procurement in Europe</strong> and with Europe.</em></p><p><em>Importantly, <strong>there is no seizing of the assets.</strong> Ukraine has to repay the loan, if Russia is paying reparations.<strong> The perpetrator must be held responsible.</strong>”</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/sep/30/europe-russia-drones-ukraine-rutte-von-der-leyen-poland-kellogg-latest-updates">Continue reading...</a>