An aircraft carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was allegedly hit by Russian GPS jamming on its way to Bulgaria, the commission said Monday.
“We can confirm that the plane carrying President von der Leyen was affected by GPS jamming by the Russian military,” a spokesperson for the European Commission said in a statement.
The incident occurred on Thursday, as the president was en route to Bulgaria for an official visit. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Vienna, Austria, after it lost communication and navigation systems due to the jamming.
The European Commission expressed its concern and condemned the actions of the Russian military. “This is a serious and unacceptable violation of international law and the safety of our leaders,” the statement read.
This is not the first time that Russian GPS jamming has caused disruptions in the European airspace. In 2019, several NATO aircraft reported similar incidents while flying over the Black Sea. The Russian military has been accused of deliberately disrupting GPS signals in the region, which poses a threat to civilian and military aircraft.
The European Commission has called for an immediate investigation into the incident and has urged Russia to cease its illegal actions. “We demand that Russia stops these dangerous and irresponsible actions that endanger the lives of innocent people,” the statement continued.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of European leaders and their official travels. President von der Leyen was traveling with a delegation of high-ranking officials, including the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. The commission has emphasized that the safety of its leaders is of utmost importance and will not tolerate any threats to their security.
The European Union has also called for the international community to take action against Russia’s aggressive behavior. “We call on our allies and partners to stand united against these hostile acts and to support the European Union in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and leaders,” the statement stated.
The incident has also sparked a debate on the need for stronger measures to protect against GPS jamming. The European Commission has announced that it will be working closely with the European Aviation Safety Agency to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In the meantime, President von der Leyen has arrived safely in Bulgaria and has continued with her scheduled visit. She has expressed her gratitude for the quick response of the pilots and the professionalism of the crew during the emergency landing.
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing tensions between the European Union and Russia. The EU has been critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its interference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries. The commission has reiterated its commitment to upholding international law and maintaining the safety and security of its citizens.
As the European Union continues to face challenges from external threats, it is important for the international community to stand together and support each other. The incident with President von der Leyen’s plane serves as a reminder of the need for unity and cooperation in the face of aggression and hostility.
In conclusion, the European Commission has condemned the Russian GPS jamming that caused the emergency landing of President von der Leyen’s plane. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the EU and Russia and the need for stronger measures to protect against such malicious actions. The commission has called for an immediate investigation and for the international community to stand united against these hostile acts. Despite the incident, President von der Leyen’s visit to Bulgaria has continued as planned, showcasing the EU’s commitment to upholding its values and ensuring the safety of its leaders.
