European Union Discusses Security Emergency Mechanism to Counter Russian Hybrid Attacks

Brussels, Sept 28 (KUNA) -- European Union defense ministers discussed on Monday the creation of a European security emergency mechanism to enhance the response to Russian hybrid attacks, emphasizing the need for Europe to act faster and more effectively in the face of security challenges.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said at a press conference following the meeting of EU defense ministers that discussions on the proposed mechanism were “very preliminary,” but member states would continue working on it. She explained that the goal is to provide a mechanism for coordinating responses to incidents occurring in the “gray zone” below the threshold of armed aggression.

She stressed that the proposed mechanism must complement NATO’s efforts, without overlapping or competing with them. The emergency mechanism would identify tools that member states could use when hostile acts do not reach the threshold of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.

On defense matters, Kallas said the EU’s first annual report on defense readiness provides a comprehensive picture of Europe’s preparedness level, adding that “Europe needs to rearm faster and more effectively” to achieve its 2030 target. She emphasized the need for a “decisive change in the scale and speed of defense investment, capability development, innovation, and industrial capacity.”

Regarding Ukraine, Kallas announced that member states had agreed to distribute €6.6 billion (approximately $7.5 billion) from the European Peace Facility (EPF), noting that the facility represents one of the main channels of European aid to Ukraine. She added that discussions are underway with member states to increase funding for the facility with new resources, including after the current cycle ends, stressing that air defense remains Ukraine’s “top priority” amid daily attacks.

She explained that the EU had already approved procurement plans worth €28.3 billion (approximately $32 billion) under the Ukraine Support Loan, which include the future purchase of U.S.-made Patriot missiles. However, missile production takes time, and Kyiv needs them now. One option, she said, is for member states and partners to supply Ukraine with missiles from their stockpiles, to be replaced later with funding from the Ukraine Support Loan.

On Ukraine financing, Kallas noted that several ministers had called for advancing part of the €90 billion (approximately $102.4 billion) loan earmarked for 2027, and that Ukraine could also benefit from approximately €20 billion (approximately $22.7 billion) from remaining funds under the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

Member states agreed on the first step of the strategic review of the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine, extending it by two additional years, and to proceed with establishing a coordination cell in Kyiv focused on extracting lessons from the battlefield and enhancing military training.

In a related development, Kallas stressed the need to continue reducing Moscow’s capacity to finance its war, including through its “shadow fleet,” noting that the European Maritime Security Operation IRINI had recently carried out six boarding operations of ships suspected of involvement in such activities. (End) ARN / MM J