Polish defence minister to join talks on 'drone wall' for EU
Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz is to join a videoconference convened by European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius to discuss the establishment of a system designed to protect against unauthorised incursions of unmanned aerial vehicles into the European Union's airspace.
Poland, along with Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia have been invited to join in the dialogue, which is scheduled to begin at noon on Friday.
The discussions aimed at securing European airspace from drone intrusions have intensified after recent Russian drone intrusions into Polish and Romanian territories.
Denmark will join the original group of EU's frontline countries invited to the talks after experiencing multiple airport closures this week due to suspected drone activity.
Ukraine will also participate as a country possessing relevant expertise and experience in countering drone intrusions.
Thomas Regnier, the European Commission's (EC) spokesperson, said on Thursday that Friday's discussions would focus on identifying the needs and capabilities of the participating countries concerning drone deterrence, with further discussions planned for the EU leaders' summit in October.
According to Regnier, another milestone in the process of creating an anti-drone protection system for the EU will occur on November 30, as it will mark the deadline for member states to sign up for funds from the bloc's Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a financial mechanism which would support the "drone wall".
Poland will be the primary beneficiary of the programme, as its set to receive EUR 43.7 billion in defence loans funded by SAFE, followed by Romania, France and Hungary, each to obtain EUR 16 billion. (PAP)
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