The European Commission today unveiled a comprehensive action plan to bolster the EU’s defenses against the growing threat of malicious drones, citing recent incursions and the escalating use of drone warfare in Ukraine as key drivers. The plan, detailed in a report released Wednesday, proposes a network of testing facilities, revised regulations for civilian drone use, and increased investment in European drone and counter-drone technologies.
The move comes after drone activity disrupted operations at airports in Oslo and Copenhagen last year, with suspicions pointing to Russian-linked vessels operating in the region, according to the Commission’s assessment. While the EU has not experienced the sustained drone attacks seen in Ukraine, officials acknowledge the increasing vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the necessitate for a coordinated response.
The Commission’s plan centers on enhancing detection capabilities, coordinating responses between member states, and strengthening the EU’s overall defense readiness. A central component is the establishment of a network of multinational testing and expertise centers for drones, designed to accelerate the development and deployment of counter-drone solutions. Member states are being urged to remove obstacles hindering the testing of these technologies in designated areas.
“Drone and anti-drone capabilities are central components in defending Europe and securing critical infrastructure,” stated Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. “Today, we are taking a major step toward enhancing security and developing these capabilities together with our member states. In the current geopolitical context, Europe must cultivate home-grown solutions to enhance its collective security. We have the talents, the technologies, and the industrial strength to protect our assets.”
The Commission proposes a two-pronged approach to funding the initiative, building on agreements reached in December 2025. According to a statement released by the European Parliament on February 6, 2026, a €90 billion ($105 billion) support package for Ukraine will be financed through either EU borrowing or the use of frozen Russian assets. This funding is intended to cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s estimated financial needs for 2026 and 2027, and the Commission believes lessons learned from Ukraine’s defense against drone attacks are crucial to bolstering European security.
The plan too calls for adapting existing regulations governing civilian drone use. A proposed “Drone Security Package,” slated for approval by the third quarter of 2026, would extend registration and identification requirements to all drones weighing over 100 grams (approximately 4 ounces). The Commission also intends to promote the implementation of U-space services, a European digital system designed to manage airspace access for remotely operated aircraft, and establish an “EU Trusted Drone” scheme to identify secure equipment.
To assess the resilience of critical infrastructure, the Commission is proposing stress tests to gauge vulnerability to drone intrusion, contingent on the willingness of member states to participate. The Commission also intends to leverage existing Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive, which requires national resilience strategies and risk assessments.
Improving situational awareness is a key priority, with the Commission advocating for the integration of data from existing sources into a unified view. The plan suggests utilizing 5G networks to detect drones, both connected and non-connected, by identifying unusual activity patterns. This would require collaboration between national authorities and telecommunications operators. The Commission also notes that 5G cell stations could function as radar sensors, detecting flying objects like drones and balloons.
The Commission emphasizes the need for closer cooperation between civilian and military bodies in countering drone threats, acknowledging that protecting critical infrastructure cannot rely solely on military resources. It proposes annual EU-level counter-drone exercises involving both civilian and military responses, and is advancing the European Drone Defence Initiative to build capabilities and foster industrial efforts.
The Commission will now enter into discussions with EU member states regarding the proposed actions, characterizing the plan as a dynamic process subject to adaptation based on evolving circumstances and threats.
