Von der Leyen and NATO secretary general will meet on 2 September to discuss rising hybrid threats from Russia

European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said that the meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on 2 September will focus primarily on the growing hybrid threats posed by Russia to Europe and strengthening EU-NATO defence cooperation.

Source: European Pravda

Quote from Pinho: "Indeed, and it's frequently the case that meetings are added to the calendar of President von der Leyen also at short notice. Now, this meeting tomorrow between the president and Secretary General Rutte is to be seen in the context as we strengthen our defense cooperation within Europe and with NATO."

Details: The spokeswoman stressed that this is particularly important in light of the "increasing hybrid threats that we are seeing".

"So it's in this context that it's taking place. I cannot prejudge what will be discussed specifically," she added.

Asked whether Ukraine and its need for interceptor missiles would be discussed at the meeting, Paula Pinho noted that she does not "think that there can be such a discussion without referring to Ukraine, without referring to what is going on in Europe, which obviously has major consequences also for us in the EU".

Background:

• EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas announced the creation of a high-level group made up of former political and military leaders from European countries and Ukraine, who will work on issues related to the bloc's defence capabilities.
• On 28 July, the US Department of Defense officially began a six-month review of its military presence in Europe, which could pave the way for a reduction in US troops on the continent.
• The Pentagon's review of the deployment of US troops in Europe, which is expected to be completed by 6 November, will create at least four possible courses of action for US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

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