The heads of the European Commission and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) are set to hold talks in Brussels on Wednesday in response to a string of hybrid warfare incidents in Europe over the summer, including an attempted drone attack in Leipzig airport which the German government has formally attributed to Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that she would use the meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss the German incident, with additional sanctions to be prepared by foreign ministers at an upcoming meeting.
"We will keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts," she said in a statement posted on social media platform X on Tuesday.
"The German government has taken strong measures. And the message is clear: hybrid attacks will not go without a clear response."
The “short notice” bilateral was confirmed by European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho who said the meeting would also occur in the context of Europe and NATO strengthening defence cooperation.
