The European Conservatives and Reformists Group welcomes the European Parliament’s strong backing for an ambitious EU drone and counter-drone strategy.

With the initiative report adopted by an overwhelming majority of MEPs, the European Parliament sends the clear message that Europe must urgently strengthen its defence industrial base, accelerate production of drone and counter-drone systems, and prepare its armed forces and societies for the realities of modern warfare. Deterrence will not be rebuilt through declarations, but through capabilities.

Reinis Pozņaks, ECR MEP and rapporteur of the report, said, speaking after the vote:

“If aggression is ever directed against Europe, it will most likely rely on mass drone attacks, and Europe must be prepared for this. Secondly, the European Union already has the necessary instruments at its disposal to counter these threats, but they must be used in a targeted manner and further developed in line with today’s realities.

“Drones will become more accessible, cheaper, and more technologically advanced, and they will be used by both states and organisations for various purposes, including hostile ones. Europe has a duty to be prepared for this reality by strengthening its industry and civil protection.

“I am pleased that virtually all political groups supported the drone report, to which I devoted almost a year of work. In the European Parliament, documents rarely receive close to 90% political support, and this is one of them. It clearly demonstrates that, regardless of political affiliation, Members understand how crucial the drone industry is to our security.”

He underlined that drone warfare is no longer a future scenario but a present reality, saying:

“Drones are already significantly influencing both military security and civil protection capabilities today. These threats do not distinguish between ideologies, and that is precisely why Europe must be able to act in a unified manner.”

The report calls for building a resilient European drone industry, accelerating joint procurement, integrating drone and counter-drone systems across all defence levels, strengthening civil-defence preparedness and protection of critical infrastructure, and deepening EU–NATO coordination on standards and operations. It was produced after more than a year of work, incorporating practical experience from frontline drone operators, visits to sensitive research and production facilities, as well as close dialogue with policymakers and industry representatives at all levels. It will serve as a strategic roadmap for the European Union’s response to the growing threat of drone warfare.

“If implemented decisively, this strategy will help restore credible deterrence, reinforce Europe’s defence industrial capacity, and ensure that Europe is prepared for the security challenges of today, not of yesterday,” Pozņaks said.