- German authorities have identified Russia behind a military-grade attack attempt on cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
- The EU's €800 billion defence investment plan, including €150 billion via SAFE, has been proposed in close cooperation with NATO.
- Ukraine's new payment request for air defences (PAC-3 Patriot) worth several billion euros has been received and is under consideration.
- €8.5 billion has been disbursed for drones and missiles to Ukraine since June as part of the €90 billion support loan.
- EU foreign affairs ministers discussed new sanction listings in Ireland on the same day as the meeting.
Russian attack attempt on Leipzig/Halle Airport triggers joint EU-NATO response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte held a joint meeting to address the Russian attack attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport. German authorities have identified Russia as responsible for the attempt to attack cargo planes using military-grade material. Had the attack succeeded, it could have caused enormous damage and potentially loss of life.
"This was an attack carried out with military-grade material by Russian operatives on EU soil. We will not tolerate it. We stand in full solidarity with Germany," von der Leyen stated.
Tighter sanctions and closing loopholes
The EU has committed to increasing pressure on Russia rather than merely maintaining the current level. In Ireland, EU foreign affairs ministers discussed new sanction listings on the same day, while the Commission is working on further ways to hit Russia's war chest. Every loophole Russia exploits must be closed, von der Leyen stated.
The Leipzig attack is placed in a broader context of escalating threats:
- Repeated incursions into European airspace
- Drones paralysing airports
- Interference with critical infrastructure
The European Commission notes that the EU already has Rapid Response Teams available to respond to similar attacks whether they occur inside or outside the Union.
New billions for Ukraine and air defences
Von der Leyen confirmed receipt of a new payment request from Ukraine worth several billion euros. The funds are earmarked for Ukrainian air defences, including the advanced PAC-3 Patriot systems. Member States are currently reviewing the request.
| Initiative | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine support loan | €90 bn | In progress |
| Drones and missiles (since June) | €8.5 bn | Disbursed |
| Air defences (PAC-3 etc.) | Several bn EUR | Under consideration |
| European defence plan | €800 bn | Proposed |
| SAFE investment | €150 bn | Part of defence plan |
Together with Ukraine, Europe is working on the FREYA project to build its own anti-ballistic missile defence. The €90 billion support loan to Ukraine is already operational, and the €8.5 billion disbursed since June can also be used to purchase European-manufactured fighter jets.
€800 billion defence plan and closer NATO-EU cooperation
The two leaders concluded with the future European defence effort. Von der Leyen highlighted the need for:
- A faster, more integrated alert system across Europe
- Faster interception of threats
- Earlier mobilisation of defence surges
The proposed €800 billion defence investment plan, including €150 billion through the SAFE mechanism, is designed to enable increased joint investment in Europe. The last joint meeting between von der Leyen and Rutte took place at the NATO summit in Türkiye, where both sides confirmed that the EU and NATO reinforce each other.
"We are in a new era of European security. European investment in defence strengthens NATO and re-energises our industrial base," von der Leyen concluded.