Commissioner Kubilius described the “drone wall” as a mix of detection sensors, jamming devices and defensive weapons
Hungary and Slovakia will not participate in the first round of EU discussions on the creation of a so-called “drone wall” along the bloc’s eastern border, a project pitched as a response to recent drone incursions over Romania and Poland.
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Rainier confirmed that Hungary and Slovakia will not be present at the initial videoconference on 26 September. The meeting will instead bring together defence representatives from seven frontline states – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as an invited delegation from Ukraine.
“Indeed, Hungary and Slovakia will not be present at this initial stage of discussions,” Rainier told reporters. He stressed that the process is still in its early phases: “We certainly do not rule out further consultations in a potentially broader format. But for now, only these seven frontline countries, and, of course, Ukraine, will participate.”
The debate was convened by European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius, who has emerged as a leading advocate for creating a layered air defence system against drones on the EU’s eastern flank. His initiative follows Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, which explicitly flagged the need for stronger protective measures after Russian drones entered NATO airspace in recent months.
Drawing on Ukrainian experience
Kubilius, who visited Kyiv just days before announcing the meeting, said Ukrainian officials and defence industries were ready to share their battlefield expertise. “I just returned from Kyiv two days ago, and we have spoken to both the government and industry representatives. They are willing to share their experience and know-how,” he commented.
According to media reports, Ukrainian technology and tactics that have already proven effective in real war conditions could provide the backbone for the EU’s new system. Kubilius has described the envisioned “drone wall” as a mix of detection sensors, jamming devices and defensive weapons designed to neutralise hostile drones before they can cause damage inside EU territory.
Although details remain vague, the Commissioner has argued that the project should be treated with urgency. “Discussions are still at an early stage,” he noted, but added that some analysts believe a functioning system could be put in place within a year.
For now, Brussels has avoided putting forward cost estimates or specific technical proposals, leaving the substance of the talks to the participating states. Rainier underlined that member governments will remain “in the lead role”, with the Commission acting as a facilitator and coordinator.
“What exactly will be discussed – the member states, of course, remain in the lead role. We will find out what their interest is, how we can help them, what their capabilities are and what their needs are, and based on this discussion we will make a decision on potential next steps – in close cooperation with Ukraine and other member states,” he explained.
The absence of Hungary and Slovakia, however, highlights potential divisions within the EU over how far to invest in joint defence initiatives at a time of competing budgetary pressures and sensitive debates over sovereignty. While the two countries have not publicly elaborated on their reasons, their non-participation contrasts sharply with the sense of urgency conveyed by frontline states such as Poland, which has faced repeated drone incursions since Russia escalated its war against Ukraine.
Strategic test for the EU
The proposed “drone wall” is still more concept than reality, but its trajectory could shape how the EU responds to emerging security threats at its borders. The initiative comes as the Union is already under pressure to deliver on promises of a stronger European Defence Union and closer coordination with NATO.
If successfully developed, the project could mark one of the EU’s most tangible steps in building common capabilities against asymmetric threats. But its success will depend not only on technology and financing, but also on political consensus – something that Hungary and Slovakia’s absence has already cast into question.