Thijs REUTEN

Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU‘s need to adapt to be fit for today‘s security challenges

GL-PvdA supports this report, as it offers valuable perspectives on adapting the Member States’ armed forces, EU programmes and institutions to challenges in relation to the integration of drones, anti-drone measures and other innovative systems of warfare. The geopolitical situation and swift changes in global alliances merit supporting the overall report. However, GL-PvdA explicitly distances itself from the Frontex references in paragraphs 39, 323 and 324. We strongly oppose this report’s language advocating for an of Frontex mandate expansion, to include military capabilities and tasks, which dangerously blurs the line between defence and border management. Due to previous human right abuses by Frontex, affording quasi-military powers entails significant risks, and requires a radical shift in its modus operandi, oversight, and legal framework. While limited information exchange between Frontex and armed forces, in line with data protection and fundamental rights obligations, may be pertinent, the mandate for territorial defence must remain the exclusive responsibility of our armed forces, that have clearly defined democratic and legal frameworks. Moreover, the European Commission foresees a revision of the Frontex Regulation in 2026. Taking a Parliamentary position on such a sensitive matter is premature.