EU Unveils Major Action Plan to Counter Drone Security Threats

The European Commission has launched a comprehensive Action Plan to tackle the growing security challenges posed by drones and meteorological balloons, with measures ranging from enhanced detection systems to a €250 million border surveillance initiative.

The plan comes as the EU faces mounting threats from hostile drone overflights, airspace violations, airport disruptions, and risks to critical infrastructure, external borders and public spaces.

Four-Pillar Strategy

The Action Plan centres on four key priorities: enhancing preparedness, boosting detection capacities, coordinating responses, and strengthening the EU's defence readiness.

To improve preparedness, the Commission will establish an EU Counter-Drone Centre of Excellence to boost testing capacity, alongside a coordinated civil-military industrial mapping to attract investment and foster innovation.

A new Drone Security Package will be proposed in 2026 to overhaul existing rules on civilian airborne drones, including measures for coordinated risk assessment of technology supply chains and the launch of an 'EU Trusted Drone' label to identify secure equipment.

Enhanced Detection Capabilities

The plan prioritises leveraging 5G networks for drone detection, with the Commission launching a call for expression of interest for Member States and industry to test and deploy cellular-based detection systems.

These networks will enable precise, real-time tracking of flying objects, with data aggregated into single air display systems to better identify legitimate drones. The Commission will also explore establishing an EU Drone Incident Platform.

Coordinated Response Measures

To strengthen response capabilities, the Commission will launch a Counter Drone deployment initiative, including a €250 million call for land and maritime border surveillance to protect critical infrastructure and EU external borders.

The plan includes yearly large-scale EU counter-drone exercises to test cross-border cooperation and civilian-military synergies, alongside exploration of Rapid Counter-Drone Emergency Response teams for increased solidarity between Member States.

Defence Readiness

The Action Plan will support the European Drone Defence Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch initiative, proposed in the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. The Commission will launch a Drone Alliance with Ukraine to drive an innovative industrial ecosystem for next-generation drone and counter-drone systems.

A Drone and Counter-Drone Industry Forum will bring together civil and defence stakeholders to foster dialogue and scale up production.

Official Statements

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said:

"We have seen that anything can be used as a weapon against us. Drone and anti-drone capabilities are central components in defending Europe and securing critical infrastructure. Today, we are taking a major step toward enhancing security and developing these capabilities together with our member states."

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said:

"With the launch of this Action Plan, we are turning the concept of a 'Drone Wall' from a political vision into an industrial reality. To achieve true defence readiness, Europe must be able to protect its borders and critical sites with a sophisticated, multi-layered shield that can detect and neutralise any threat in real-time."

Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, said:

"Drones bring enormous economic benefits and strengthen the EU's security significantly. At the same time, this technology is often being misused at low cost and with high impact. With today's Action Plan, we have more arrows in our quiver to counter threats to our security."

He noted the plan includes €400 million for drone and counter-drone technology.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said:

"Europe was the first in the world to establish clear rules for drones. We chose to integrate drones into our aviation system, and we will keep updating these rules as technology evolves, working closely with Member States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency."

Implementation

The Commission will work with Member States on implementation, proposing that countries appoint National Drone Security Coordinators to foster and oversee national implementation.

The plan builds on the 2023 Communication on countering potential threats posed by drones and the Drone Strategy 2.0, which provides the policy framework for developing a competitive and safe European drone ecosystem.

EU funding programmes including Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund, and the Border Management and Visa Instrument already support technological development of drone and counter-drone capacities.