EU and NATO Pledge Solidarity With Germany After Leipzig Airport Attack Attempt Attributed to Russia

European Union and NATO leaders have rallied behind Germany after an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport was attributed to Russia. Their message was blunt: Europe must not be intimidated or divided by hybrid attacks.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stood “fully and completely” with Germany after what she called a Russian attack on the airport in early August. European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also expressed solidarity. Metsola said Europe would not allow itself to be intimidated or split.

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fully and completely

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said similar incidents were appearing in other countries and questioned how Russia could be deterred from going further. EU foreign ministers could discuss a response at a meeting on Wednesday, where German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is expected to brief colleagues. Support for Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East are also on the agenda.

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any threat

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance would defend its members against “any threat.” He said the evidence was clear and told Chancellor Friedrich Merz that NATO stood fully behind Germany. Rutte said Russia’s attempts to intimidate Europe, undermine its unity and weaken support for Ukraine would fail.

French President Emmanuel Macron backed new European sanctions, saying hybrid attacks on Europe must not go unanswered. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb likewise said their countries stood with Germany and would defend shared freedom and security.

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We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated or divided.