EU defence chief says a ‘painful response’ to Russian hybrid threats is needed

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Published: 2026-09-17T09:04:37.296Z • Permanent link

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has been making waves in European politics with her bold plans to turbocharge the European Union's defense capabilities. Senior Baltic European Commissioners have expressed their support for her efforts, emphasizing the need for a "painful" response to Russian hybrid threats. This comes at a time when tensions between the EU and Russia have been escalating, particularly in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Von der Leyen's plans involve a significant overhaul of the EU's defense strategy, including the development of a new anti-hybrid warfare playbook and a more comprehensive approach to political security. The European Commission has been working closely with member states to develop a unified defense strategy, which will be unveiled in the coming months.

Von der Leyen's efforts have been backed by senior officials in the EU, including High Representative Josep Borrell and European Council President Charles Michel. The EU has also been working closely with NATO, with von der Leyen meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in June to discuss the alliance's response to Russian aggression. The EU has also been increasing its military spending, with the proposed 2023 budget calling for a significant increase in defense spending. This move is seen as a response to Russia's efforts to undermine European security, including its support for separatist groups in Ukraine and its military buildup in the region.

The EU's defense strategy is not without its challenges, however. Von der Leyen's plans have been met with skepticism by some EU member states, which have expressed concerns about the cost and feasibility of the proposed strategy. The EU has also faced criticism for its slow response to Russian aggression, with some arguing that the bloc has been too focused on maintaining a unified front rather than taking a more proactive approach to defending its interests. Despite these challenges, von der Leyen remains committed to her vision for a more robust and effective EU defense strategy, and is expected to continue to push for its implementation in the coming months.

The EU's plans to turbocharge its defense capabilities have significant implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly in terms of intelligence gathering and analysis. The EU's new anti-hybrid warfare playbook will require significant investment in data analytics and intelligence capabilities, which will be critical in detecting and countering Russian hybrid threats. This will also require significant collaboration between EU member states and other international partners, including the United States and NATO.

The EU's defense strategy also has significant implications for the research community, particularly in terms of the development of new technologies and strategies for countering hybrid warfare. The EU's plans to increase its military spending will also have significant implications for the defense industry, with many companies expected to benefit from the increased demand for defense-related technologies. The EU's defense strategy is also likely to have significant implications for the global economy, particularly in terms of the impact on trade and investment.

The EU's plans to turbocharge its defense capabilities are part of a broader pattern of increasing tensions between the EU and Russia. The conflict in Ukraine has been a major source of tension between the two, with Russia's support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine leading to significant human rights abuses and economic disruption. The EU has also been critical of Russia's actions in other parts of the world, including its support for authoritarian regimes in countries such as Belarus and Syria. The EU's defense strategy is also part of a broader trend towards increased military spending and cooperation between European countries, with many countries expected to increase their military spending in the coming years.