EU proposes new security strategy to complement NATO's Article 4 amid Russian attacks

In response to Russia's intensifying hybrid attacks on Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans for a new security strategy for European countries to complement NATO's Article 4.

Source: von der Leyen during her annual address to the European Parliament on 16 September, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "As the threat level climbs, so must Europe's preparedness. This is why I will propose, together with the HRVP [Kaja Kallas – ed.], a new European security strategy.

I believe it is time for Europe's own Article 4 – or an Emergency Security Protocol. When triggered by one member state, all member states would convene. To coordinate a European response. To deter further escalation. And to mitigate the impact."

Details: Von der Leyen noted that cyberattacks, sabotage, arson and drone incursions into the EU are intensifying every day.

She stressed that Europe needs its own response plan for hybrid threats.

"We urgently need a consensus on how to respond to certain incidents. Those which fall below armed aggression but clearly threaten our national security. In other words, a mechanism to flank NATO's Article 4," the Commission president said.

For reference: NATO's Article 4 enables any member state to request consultations with its allies if it considers that its territorial integrity is under threat. It is considered a preliminary step towards invoking NATO's Article 5.

Background:

• In August, members of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party called for NATO Treaty Article 4 consultations after a drone was spotted near a Ukrainian aircraft in Leipzig.
• In May, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu also said that a Russian drone crashing into a residential building in Galați could justify invoking Article 4 for consultations with NATO allies.

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