Greek and Polish leaders urge EU for common air defense shield
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Polish counterpart Donald Tusk have called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to spearhead the creation of a European air defense shield financed by the European Union.
According to Bloomberg, in a letter sent Thursday, the leaders argued that the EU needs a new “flagship program” like a common air defense shield. Von der Leyen endorsed the proposal on social media, reiterating her call for more unified defense initiatives.
The letter, not yet public, suggests discussing the initiative at the EU summit in late June. It highlights the urgency of joint defense efforts in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the necessity of supporting Ukraine’s military needs.
Mitsotakis and Tusk’s proposal aims to protect EU airspace from threats like aircraft, missiles, and drones. It also envisions a significant boost to Europe’s defense and security industries through enhanced cooperation. Poland and Greece, top defense spenders within NATO, underscore the strategic importance of this initiative for Europe’s self-defense and unity.
