ATHENS

Greece opposes Türkiye’s inclusion into the EU’s Drone Wall initiative that aims to improve the bloc's ability to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones, particularly in response to alleged airspace violations by Russia, local media reported on Thursday.

For Greece, which welcomed the initiative as an important step for collective EU action against drone threats, Türkiye’s exclusion is a critical condition, said daily Kathimerini.

According to the outlet, France and the Greek Cypriot Administration also oppose Turkish participation while member states Germany, Italy, and Spain all support it.

In September, around 20 Russian drones allegedly entered Polish airspace, prompting immediate calls for action.

Earlier incidents involved Russian jets and drones allegedly violating airspace over multiple European nations, exposing gaps in existing air defenses.

Russia has denied any involvement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first publicly advocated for a "drone wall" in her annual State of the Union speech last month, framing it as part of an "Eastern Flank Watch" to safeguard Europe's vulnerable borders.

Defense ministers from 10 eastern EU countries bordering Russia – including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – agreed to advance the project during a virtual meeting on Sept. 26 with participation from Ukrainian and NATO officials.