The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have expressed their commitment to reinforcing security and defence in the EU, while condemning recent hybrid military attacks on EU territory, and expressing solidarity with all those affected.

In a plenary debate in Strasbourg, Iratxe García, leader of the S&D Group, has defined the Russian incursion as deliberate attacks onEU airspace and critical infrastructure, which cannot be considered isolated incidents. She called for increased investment in security and defence to close all capability gaps and ensure that the European Union and its member states are adequately equipped to address the full spectrum of threats and provide adequate support to Ukraine.

Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said:

“All our solidarity with Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for more than three years, and with all countries that have suffered airspace violations and infrastructure sabotage from Putin's regime.

“The Council must guarantee Ukraine security and authorise Ukraine to use Western weapons against the military targets from which Russia is launching its attacks, and confiscate frozen Russian assets.

“On top of that, the European Union must also strengthen itself. We need a European defence industry capable of taking action, a European pillar within NATO, a common air and anti-drone defence system, and greater investment in innovation, cybersecurity and common production.

“Putin challenges our freedom, but our response will be more Europe: a strong, united Europe, capable of protecting its sky, its land, and its future.”