European Parliament urges EU states to intercept Russian drones and aircraft

The European Parliament has called on member states of the European Union to intercept and neutralize aerial targets — such as drones and aircraft — that illegally violate EU airspace. The resolution was adopted during a plenary session in Strasbourg, France, on Oct. 9.

The motion passed with 469 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voting in favor, 97 against, and 38 abstentions, European Pravda reported.

“The European Parliament supports any initiatives that allow the EU and its member states to take coordinated, unified, and proportionate action in response to all airspace violations, including the neutralization of aerial threats,” the resolution stated.

MEPs also endorsed the EU’s “drone wall” initiative and the “Eastern Flank Watch” program—strategic efforts designed to bolster the protection of allied airspace along the EU’s eastern borders.

The resolution highlights growing concerns over Russian hybrid tactics, stating that sabotage and other hostile actions carried out against the EU may be considered state-sponsored terrorism, even if they do not constitute a formal armed attack.

Lawmakers further urged the Council of the European Union and the European Commission to tighten sanctions against Russia and expand them to include countries that support Moscow’s aggression, including Belarus, Iran, and North Korea. They also called for restrictions on Chinese companies that provide Russia with dual-use goods and military technologies needed to manufacture drones and missiles.

While the resolution is not legally binding, such declarations from the European Parliament carry considerable political and diplomatic weight. They signal a firm political stance, encourage greater coordination among EU member states, and can help shape future security and defense policies.

The European Parliament is based in Strasbourg, France, with additional facilities in Brussels, Belgium, and Luxembourg.