The Council of the European Union has decided to extend individual restrictive measures against individuals and entities that, in the EU’s view, are responsible for destabilizing activities by Russia outside its territory for another year. Additionally, on October 8, 2024, further restrictions were imposed in response to new hybrid threats from the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Business • Media
Drone Incidents in the EU and Reactions from European Countries
At the same time, violations of airspace by unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles continue within the territory of the European Union. In particular, on the night of October 3, 2025, 15 drones were recorded over the Belgian military base in Elsenborn, near the border with Germany. Munich Airport suspended operations twice in one day due to the appearance of unidentified UAVs. Furthermore, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service reported multiple targeting of Danish vessels by Russian military ships, as well as disruptions to navigation systems in the straits connecting the Baltic and North Seas.
“Russian military ships have repeatedly targeted weapons at Danish vessels and disrupted navigation systems in Danish straits connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea.”
Obstacles to Creating a ‘Drone Wall’ and Delay of the New Sanctions Package
Despite the threat posed by drones, EU countries have so far been unable to reach an agreement on the establishment of a so-called ‘drone wall,’ which would serve as a protective measure against Russian UAVs. Countries on NATO’s eastern flank consider this initiative extremely necessary; however, other EU nations express doubts about the feasibility and financial justification of such a project. Additionally, they are concerned that this plan may lead to an excessive strengthening of Brussels’ influence over the national defense strategies of EU and NATO member states. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that violators of European airspace must be prepared for a tough response.
Another stumbling block has been the delay in adopting the 19th sanctions package against Russia. This was caused by Austria’s position, which insists on unblocking part of Russian assets to compensate the Austrian Raiffeisen Bank for fines imposed by a Russian court. Other EU countries opposed such an initiative, as it could imply a de facto recognition of Russian court decisions regarding Western assets, which threatens to create a dangerous precedent—exchanging European corporate assets in Russia for frozen Russian assets in Europe.