European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that Russian drone incidents could become the “new normal” for Europe.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, von der Leyen said Europe must prepare for a new era of security.
She pointed to a drone sabotage incident in Leipzig that Germany has attributed to Russia. She also warned that similar threats could target critical infrastructure across Europe.
“This is the new normal,” von der Leyen said. She called for a faster and stronger European response to Russia’s actions.
Von der Leyen Warns of Growing Threat
Von der Leyen said the Leipzig incident represents another escalation on European Union soil.
She stressed that the incident forms part of a wider pattern of increasingly dangerous activities.
According to von der Leyen, a successful attack could have caused major damage and potentially cost lives.
She also urged Europeans to view everyday infrastructure as potential frontline targets.
As a result, governments must strengthen protection around airports, transport networks, energy systems and other critical facilities.
EU Plans Stronger Response
The European Commission chief said Europe already has rapid response teams that can deal with such attacks.
However, she indicated that the EU could expand those capabilities if necessary.
Meanwhile, European foreign ministers discussed additional sanctions against Russia during a meeting in Ireland.
Von der Leyen also said the EU remains ready to impose further measures against individuals and entities linked to Russia.
NATO Chief Says Russia Is Becoming More Reckless
Rutte backed von der Leyen’s warning and said Russia has become increasingly reckless.
He said the danger now reaches beyond Ukraine and could affect European and NATO territory.
Rutte also stressed that NATO must have the capabilities needed to respond to emerging threats.
He rejected any suggestion that Russia could divide European countries or weaken their support for Ukraine.
“Our unity is unshaken,” Rutte said.
Germany Blames Russia for Leipzig Incident
The comments came one day after Germany formally blamed Russia for a drone sabotage incident in Leipzig.
Authorities discovered an explosive-laden drone at an airport in eastern Germany on August 4.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the methods involved resembled techniques used in other Russian hybrid operations.
He therefore said the German government had concluded that Russia was responsible for the incident.
Russia has denied the accusations.
Berlin Takes Diplomatic Action
Following the investigation, Germany announced measures against Russian diplomatic interests.
Berlin ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn. It also ended an agreement allowing the Russian House in Berlin to operate.
The Kremlin said it would respond to the measures.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko accused Germany of choosing a path of escalation.
Kremlin-linked outlets also reported criticism of European governments over their response.
EU Diplomat Calls Incident State-Sponsored Terrorism
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the Leipzig incident as having “all the hallmarks of state sponsored terrorism.”
She said European governments must now consider what further action they can take.
Several countries have already summoned Russian diplomatic representatives following the incident.
Belgium and the EU summoned Russia’s ambassador in Brussels. France and the Netherlands also summoned Russian diplomatic representatives.
New Sanctions Could Target Russia’s Military Network
Kallas said around 1,600 individuals and entities connected to Russia’s military complex have been proposed for additional EU sanctions.
She added that more names could be considered.
The proposed measures come as European countries continue efforts to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.
The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package in late July. Those measures targeted people and companies linked to Russia’s military industries.
They included producers of long-range drones such as the Garpiya model.
Europe Strengthens Support for Ukraine
The latest dispute comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz following Berlin’s announcement.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to support Germany with expertise and experience.
He also described the incident as another Russian escalation.
Meanwhile, EU ambassadors are considering further sanctions against Russian individuals and entities accused of involvement in the forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
Europe Prepares for Further Threats
The latest warnings show how European governments are increasingly focusing on hybrid threats.
Drone incidents, sabotage, disinformation and attacks on infrastructure have become major security concerns.
Therefore, EU and NATO officials say European countries must improve their ability to detect and respond to such threats.
For von der Leyen, the message is clear: Europe has entered a new security era and must be prepared for the challenges ahead.
