The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has called for a firm and united European response to Russia’s recent violations of EU Member States’ airspace and attacks on critical infrastructure.

Speaking in plenary, Adam Bielan, ECR Coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee and Head of the Polish delegation, said Europe must respond decisively to these provocations:

“Russia is carrying out ever more sophisticated attempts to pressure the West. The latest airspace violations are not accidents or technical errors — they are deliberate provocations aimed at testing NATO’s resolve and the patience of our societies,” he said.

“Drone incursions, sabotage of energy and telecommunications infrastructure, and systematic disinformation show that the Kremlin’s aggressive policy knows no limits — literally and figuratively. This is a carefully planned strategy of destabilisation and intimidation, targeting the integrity and security of the entire free world.”

Bielan added:

“Europe must move from reactive defence to proactive security.”

“That means investing in anti-drone systems, strengthening our industrial and technological capacities, and building true resilience against hybrid threats — from cyber-attacks to election interference.”

Bielan cautioned against repeating the mistakes of the past.

“We must not allow anyone to test our borders, our patience, or our solidarity. Every act of aggression must be met with an immediate and coordinated response by the EU and NATO. Turning a blind eye to so-called ‘minor incidents’ has too often led to major tragedies in the past.”

The Polish MEP also pointed to the consequences of previous European policies that deepened dependence on Moscow.

“When we see Russian drones flying over Berlin, Brussels or Copenhagen today, let us think about the billions of euros pumped into the East by Gerhard Schröder and Angela Merkel.”

“That Angela Merkel who is now clumsily trying to shift the blame, bizarrely insinuating that countries contesting her misguided policy are somehow responsible.”

Bielan further criticised the current German government’s position on Nord Stream.

“Today, the German government demands the extradition of those responsible for destroying that shameful investment. Let me remind Chancellor Merz that Ukraine is at war with Russia because it was attacked. Ukrainians have every right to target Russian refineries and industrial and transmission networks — and our duty is to support them, not punish them for it.”