Von der Leyen Denounces 'Hybrid Warfare' After Drone Destroyed in Romanian Waters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned what she called a "growing campaign of threats" against the European Union following the destruction of a naval drone in Romanian waters. She labeled the incident "hybrid warfare," emphasizing the EU's commitment to preserving peace through a strong deterrent.

Von der Leyen stated that Romania destroyed a naval drone carrying explosives near its Neptun Deep platform in the Black Sea. The drone was detected and intercepted by Romanian F-16 fighter jets after being identified as a threat to the infrastructure and workers. The origin of the unmanned vessel was attributed to Russia by Romanian authorities.

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Today, Romania destroyed a naval drone carrying explosives near its Neptun Deep platform in the Black Sea. A growing campaign of threats is underway that worries our citizens and seeks to divide our Union. This is hybrid warfare.

"Today, Romania destroyed a naval drone carrying explosives near its Neptun Deep platform in the Black Sea. A growing campaign of threats is underway that worries our citizens and seeks to divide our Union. This is hybrid warfare," von der Leyen posted on social media. She stressed that the EU's mission is to "preserve peace," which also means having the "capacity to deter provocations and aggressions."

To bolster its defenses, the EU plans to mobilize up to 800 billion euros through its 2030 preparedness agenda. Initiatives like the European Drone Defence and the Eastern Flank Surveillance aim to enhance member states' capabilities to respond swiftly and unitedly to emerging threats. The drone was detected by a commercial vessel around 6:28 a.m. local time and was found to be adrift in Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone, approximately 80 kilometers east of Constanta, the country's main Black Sea port.

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The EU's mission is to "preserve peace," which also means having the "capacity to deter provocations and aggressions."