The recent violation of Polish airspace by several Russian drones has become one of the main topics for European politicians during the ongoing European Parliament session in Strasbourg. The incident was seen as a test of Poland’s, NATO’s, and the EU’s response capabilities. Polish MEPs stressed that a strong and united EU reaction is necessary, sending a signal that the security of Poland’s airspace—and of NATO’s eastern flank—is a top priority for the Union. They are also calling for additional sanctions against Russia.
“I have no doubt this was a deliberate act, a provocation, a test of not just Polish but also European services. I think the Russians were surprised by the immediate response. It was an unprecedented provocation, but the state’s institutions acted swiftly. It shows how ready we must be for such provocations,” said Dariusz Joński, MEP from Civic Platform.
Initial responses in such cases take place at both the national and NATO levels. Every attack or violation of a member state’s airspace must be reported and assessed, with rapid reaction forces on standby. Allied jets, including Dutch F-35s, participated in the operation on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
“There is shock not only in Poland but across Europe. Another boundary has been crossed that many thought was untouchable,” said Michał Kobosko, MEP from Poland 2050. “Russia and Belarus are openly waging aggression against us, against NATO’s and the EU’s eastern flank. I thanked my Dutch colleagues for their direct involvement—their F-35s were in action over Poland as part of this response.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also addressed the situation in her annual State of the Union speech on Wednesday. She emphasized that Europe cannot build its economy or implement new policies without guaranteeing citizens’ safety.
“Europe expresses full solidarity with Poland. Putin’s message is clear, and our response must be equally clear. We need to exert greater pressure on Russia to bring it to the negotiating table. We must impose more sanctions. We are currently working on the 19th package, focusing especially on phasing out Russian fossil fuels, tackling shadow fleets, and addressing the role of third countries. At the same time, we must provide greater support for Ukraine. No one has supported Ukraine as much as Europe. So far, we have delivered nearly €170 billion in military and financial aid, but more will be needed,” von der Leyen said.
Adam Bielan, head of the Polish PiS delegation in the European Parliament, added: “Putin must be punished for this latest act of aggression. First of all, we should use frozen Russian assets in the EU to both arm Ukraine, which is fighting Russia directly on the front line, and strengthen NATO’s eastern flank countries like Poland, Romania, and the Baltics, which should receive massive financial support right now.”
“Putin promised to restore Russia’s past power, and he will not stop until he achieves his plan. That makes it even clearer that NATO must not relent until his plan fails. This is an extremely serious situation, and all of NATO’s and the EU’s capabilities must be fully mobilized,” stressed Kobosko.
The Strasbourg debate, initiated by Polish MEPs, was intended as a strong political signal that the security of NATO’s and the EU’s eastern flank is now a common European priority.
“I think the Commission President expressed the view of all when she said: not a single square centimeter of EU territory will be given up—we will fight for every centimeter. That is very important, because we must be able to count on Europe, on NATO allies, and this week has shown we can,” said Joński.
“What happened in Poland—whether accidental or a deliberate provocation—is a test of our unity and solidarity,” said Andrzej Halicki, MEP from Civic Platform. “The immediate response matters, but this is also a message to Polish politicians. I call on them not to attack each other, not to wage domestic political wars. This is a time for solidarity and cooperation—an exam for all who truly put Poland’s interests first.”
This is not the first time Russian aggression has reached the borders of EU states. Similar violations have occurred over NATO countries bordering Ukraine, including the tragic incident in Przewodów. Many politicians believe the latest incursion should prompt the West to seriously consider protecting Ukrainian airspace—a move seen as both the most effective and the most far-reaching.
“The question is: now that Poland, a NATO and EU country, has been directly targeted by Russian Shahed drones, is this not the moment when we must say clearly: the situation has changed, it is much more serious, and what once seemed impossible should now be seriously considered?” Kobosko stressed.
Bielan argued that the EU must rethink its industrial and defense policies: “Today, the biggest burden on European industry is high energy prices caused by the Green Deal. We must move away from it immediately. Putin doesn’t care about climate protection, nor do the Chinese—they are arming to the teeth, and we must do the same. In very close cooperation with the U.S., but also with partners like South Korea, we need to rebuild our defense capabilities, not dismantle them as the recently adopted SAFE program does.”
The SAFE program of preferential loans for defense investments is part of the EU’s broader plan to strengthen its military capabilities in response to Russia’s aggression. This week, the European Commission announced that Poland will receive €43.7 billion from the total €150 billion fund. These funds may finance orders placed jointly by at least two EU member states, or by EEA, EFTA countries, or Ukraine.
“This is the largest sum in history. What will we do with it, what will we buy? Weapons, of course, and all radar systems. These will be wise investments in the security of Poland and Europe. But most importantly, these funds will also be invested in Polish defense companies,” said Joński.
