Overview

• European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius will convene a videoconference with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, plus Ukraine.
• A Commission spokesperson confirmed Hungary and Slovakia were not invited to the initial session, with the format potentially expanding later.
• The push follows recent Russian airspace violations and drone incursions, including a Sept. 19 breach of Estonian airspace and earlier incidents affecting Poland and Romania.
• Brussels says member states will lead the process as it evaluates their capabilities and requirements before deciding next steps.
• Reporting indicates officials are weighing systems proven in Ukraine, while Lithuania says a prior €12 million request from Tallinn and Vilnius was turned down over the summer.