Romanian President Calls for EU “Anti-Drone Wall” and Democracy Shield Against Hybrid Threats
Romanian President urges EU to build anti-drone wall and democracy shield against Russian hybrid threats and election interference.
Copenhagen, Denmark – October 3, 2025 — Romanian President Nicușor Dan has urged European leaders to accelerate the creation of a joint “anti-drone wall” and a European Democracy Shield to counter growing hybrid threats from Russia, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and aerial incursions.
Speaking at the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, President Dan emphasized that the European Union remains united in defending Ukraine and strengthening resilience against unconventional warfare tactics.
“The EU is defending both international order and itself,” Dan declared, warning that Russia’s hybrid operations — from disinformation campaigns to drone attacks on critical infrastructure — represent a direct assault on European democracies.
The Georgescu Report: Russian Influence and Election Interference
During the summit, Dan presented the “Georgescu Report”, a detailed assessment outlining Russian interference in Romania’s electoral process, which allegedly contributed to the annulment of recent national elections. The report also traces the spread of coordinated disinformation campaigns across Romania, Moldova, and other neighboring states.
“There are systematic efforts to undermine trust in democratic institutions,” Dan warned, calling for EU-wide counter-disinformation mechanisms and tighter coordination among intelligence services.
Military Modernization and Strategic Cooperation
Romania, Dan noted, is pressing forward with a national armament plan through 2040, including discussions on the acquisition of Abrams tanks and advanced air defense systems to fortify NATO’s eastern flank.
He also confirmed ongoing talks with Ukraine on joint defense technology projects, reflecting Romania’s ambition to become a regional hub for dual-use innovation and cyber resilience.
EU Accession for Moldova by 2028
Addressing questions on EU enlargement, Dan expressed confidence that Moldova will join the European Union by 2028, despite Hungary’s reservations regarding Ukraine’s membership.
“There is great enthusiasm for a Western victory,” he said. “Moldova’s accession is no longer a question of if, but when.”
Protecting European Democracy and Financial Stability
The Romanian president also highlighted the legal complexities surrounding the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction, calling it “a new legal frontier” in international finance.
On domestic reforms, Dan pointed to new Romanian software tools developed to identify phantom companies involved in tax fraud, part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and fiscal transparency.
The Path Forward: A Unified European Shield
President Dan concluded by urging EU partners to move beyond reactive measures and build an integrated “European Democracy Shield” — combining cyber defense, anti-drone networks, strategic communication, and resilient institutions.
“Our democracies must be shielded, not just from missiles, but from lies,” he said.
As hybrid warfare blurs the line between military and civilian targets, Romania’s call for an EU-wide defense architecture underscores a growing consensus that security in the 21st century demands both technological innovation and institutional vigilance.
