Don’t Forget Southern Flank Says Meloni on Drone Wall

Copenhagen: Premier Giorgia Meloni said Wednesday that the EU’s southern flank should not be neglected when asked about the idea of creating a ‘drone wall’ along the Eastern flank to detect incursions and respond to them following recent Russian encroachments of European airspace. “The borders of the alliance are very extensive,” she stated as she arrived at the European summit in Copenhagen. “We must not forget the southern flank. There will be a very broad discussion today.”

According to Ansa News Agency, Meloni emphasized that Europe must strengthen its defense capabilities without escalating tension with Moscow. She expressed concerns about Russia’s motives, suggesting that “I believe Russia needs to hide the fact that there was a summer offensive and that offensive failed.” Despite these provocations, Meloni urged for a measured response: “Nevertheless, I believe we must keep our cool, that we must not respond to provocations, although must prepare ourselves.”

The discussion at the summit is expected to cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on maintaining security across all borders of the European Union. The proposed ‘drone wall’ is one of the strategies being considered to enhance surveillance and response capabilities against potential threats, particularly from the east. However, Meloni’s remarks highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach that also considers the security dynamics along the southern borders of the EU.