Poland and Greece ask for an "air defense shield" over Europe: they sent a letter to the European Commission

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have sent a letter to the European Commission calling for the creation of a pan-European air defense system. The EC responded positively to this proposal.

This was reported by Reuters on Thursday, May 23. According to journalists, the letter states that the EU "needs a new flagship program, such as a European air defense shield."

"I have sent a letter to the European Commission together with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis on a common European defense policy," Tusk said in an interview with TVP Info on Thursday evening.

According to the article, the importance of air defense has become the focus of Poland's attention after Russian missiles penetrated its airspace.

"There is already a very positive reaction from the European Commission to make missile air defense a common task for Europe because it is a huge amount of money," the Polish prime minister said.

He also said that EU states should "stop competing in the development of their air defense systems and start cooperating, including joint investments in the defense industry."

"Only a strong, united Europe with a common defense policy can prevent war. We are preparing for war not because this war will happen, but to prevent it," Tusk said.

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen publicly reacted to the proposal of the Prime Ministers of Poland and Greece on her account on the social network X. She noted that Ukraine is "fighting for our values," so it should continue to be supported, but at the same time "strengthen our defense."

"We need less fragmentation and joint projects. For example, the air defense shield proposed by Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Donald Tusk," she said in a statement.

It should be noted that Ukraine continues to ask the West to provide more air defense systems because of Russian missile strikes that cause great destruction and civilian casualties every day.

Also, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the day before that NATO countries could shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine if they are flying towards Western countries. A solution similar to the one adopted for Israel during Iranian shelling is possible, but it requires a will.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized that mere words of solidarity do not intercept Russian missiles and called on the West to provide Ukraine with seven Patriot air defense systems.

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